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What is a Pulmonary Hemorrhage?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A pulmonary hemorrhage is a dangerous medical condition where bleeding occurs along the airway or in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing for the patient. Treatment involves suction to clear the airway and keep the patient breathing along with supportive care and treatment of the underlying cause. It is usually necessary to receive treatment in a hospital setting and the prognosis varies, depending on the nature of the bleeding and the patient's medical history. It is a medical emergency and needs to be treated quickly to prevent complications like organ damage caused by oxygen deprivation or shock from blood loss.

In patients with pulmonary hemorrhage, warning signs include trickling blood from the mouth or nose, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath. It is most common to see bleeding in the upper airway. Bleeding inside the lungs can decrease gas exchange and make it difficult for the lungs to inflate and deflate properly, by disrupting the surface tension inside the lungs.

A pulmonary hemorrhage may involve bleeding in the lungs.
A pulmonary hemorrhage may involve bleeding in the lungs.

Premature infants are at high risk of pulmonary hemorrhage because their lungs are not fully developed. People with bleeding disorders are also at risk, as are people who have recently sustained injuries to the lung, including surgeries involving the lungs or bronchial tubes. A person at risk for pulmonary hemorrhage may already be in the hospital due to underlying medical issues, making it easier to identify and treat bleeding in the airways if it is identified.

Bleeding inside the lungs can make it difficult for the lungs to inflate properly.
Bleeding inside the lungs can make it difficult for the lungs to inflate properly.

For patients with this condition, it can be extremely alarming. People may struggle to breathe and be unable to take in oxygen or incapable of circulating oxygen into the bloodstream due to impaired gas exchange. Emotional distress can lead to hyperventilation, which can make the situation worse for the patient. Keeping patients calm, suctioning out the blood, and identifying the underlying cause so it can be addressed are all critical aspects of treatment. Surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the lungs or airways.

Patients suffering from pulmonary hemorrhage may experience trickling blood from the nose.
Patients suffering from pulmonary hemorrhage may experience trickling blood from the nose.

It is possible for patients to experience both pulmonary hemorrhage and pulmonary edema. In these situations, the lungs fill with fluid and the patient can develop a frothy, bloody discharge from the nose and mouth as a result of the bleeding along the airways and the presence of fluid in and around the lungs. Medical imaging studies can be used to search for buildups of fluid and other problems in the lungs, with the goal of identifying the nature of the problem and providing the appropriate interventions to the patient.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon333030

I have a problem with my respiratory system. I don't know if my lungs or airway have bleeding. I got this when I was 10 years old, and now I'm 23. Every time I'm stressed, blood comes out, or if I work out hard, and I'm out of condition, blood comes out, too, very red. I thought at first it was phlegm, but when I spit it out,it was blood. Please help me. I don't know the cure for this disease.

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    • A pulmonary hemorrhage may involve bleeding in the lungs.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      A pulmonary hemorrhage may involve bleeding in the lungs.
    • Bleeding inside the lungs can make it difficult for the lungs to inflate properly.
      By: decade3d
      Bleeding inside the lungs can make it difficult for the lungs to inflate properly.
    • Patients suffering from pulmonary hemorrhage may experience trickling blood from the nose.
      By: julaszka
      Patients suffering from pulmonary hemorrhage may experience trickling blood from the nose.
    • It's possible for someone to experience pulmonary edema, the build of fluid in the lungs, in addition to a pulmonary hemorrhage.
      By: decade3d
      It's possible for someone to experience pulmonary edema, the build of fluid in the lungs, in addition to a pulmonary hemorrhage.
    • 911 should be called if someone is experiencing a pulmonary hemorrhage.
      By: Tatyana Gladskih
      911 should be called if someone is experiencing a pulmonary hemorrhage.