General approach to hemoptysis

Hemoptysis is bleeding from the mouth originating from the lungs or bronchi. It is one of the most important symptoms in chest diseases that leads to urgent admission and requires urgent intervention. Massive hemoptysis is defined as any life-threatening bleeding. Although an expected blood volume of more than 600 ml in 24 hours is often defined as massive hemoptysis, there is no universally accepted specific volume amount. Correct diagnosis and treatment is required in every patient presenting with hemoptysis.