Hæmoptysis

[Gr. haima, blood, and ptusis, spitting.] (Med.) The coughing up of blood from the lungs and air-tubes. It is important to ascertain the source of the blood which escapes from the mouth, and, if determined to be from the lungs, to ascertain whether it is symptomatic of disease of these organs, or merely vicarious in its character. It is not so much dangerous in itself as an indication of some other dangerous disease, being most frequently connected with tubercular consumption. Bleeding from the lungs may occur without organic disease in plethoric and robust individuals living a life of excitement and exce , and in nervous, irritable individuals weakened by mental or bodily fatigue, and leading sedentary lives. It is often hereditary, and may be brought on by violent muscular effort, paroxysms of cough, blows or pre ure on the chest, inspiration of irritating vapors, or of rarefied air on high mountains. The blood may be exuded from the tracheal or bronchial membranes, or it may proceed from capillaries communicating with the air-pa ages in any part of their extent. The amount varies from a drachm or two to as many pints at a time, and is generally florid, and more or le mixed with air, differing from the dark, coagulated blood which comes from the stomach. An attack is frequently announced by a feeling of heat and oppre ion in the chest behind the sternum, followed by a cough, which brings up the blood. When the quantity is very great, it pours forth without cough, and almost by an act of vomiting, with considerable spasmodic effort. In all such cases, it is best to seek medical advice as early as po ible. Among the agents that are useful in arresting hæmoptysis may be noticed the e ence of turpentine, 10 to 30 drops in a gla of water, tannin, or gallic acid. Nauseating medicines, as tartar emetic and ipecacuanha, are also frequently employed. Common salt, in a dose of from 60 to 120 grains, is an excellent popular remedy. In all cases, calmne of mind, rest, silence, erect position, cool air, and freene of the bowels, should be enjoined. When the attack proceeds from congestion, blood-letting is recommended in certain cases. If cough be present, it should be allayed by narcotics. After the attack, astringent tonics, as iron and quinine, may be given; and the return of the bleeding is to be guarded against by avoiding the exciting causes, and attending to the rules of health.