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Evidenced-based management of haemoptysis by otolaryngologists

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2015

M Bannister  and
K W Ah-See
M Bannister*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland, UK
K W Ah-See
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Miles Bannister, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Forresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, Scotland, UK E-mail: miles.bannister@hotmail.co.uk
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Abstract

Background:

Haemoptysis is an uncommon presenting symptom to the ENT clinic and ward, but has potentially sinister aetiology. This article aims to provide a systematic and evidence-based method of managing patients with haemoptysis.

Methods:

The data in this article are based on a literature search performed using PubMed in August 2013. The keywords used included ‘haemoptysis’ in combination with ‘otolaryngology’, ‘ENT’, ‘head & neck', ‘diagnosis’, ‘management’, ‘investigations’ and ‘treatment’.

Results:

The majority of published literature on the subject is level IV evidence. However, this can guide ENT specialists in assessing, investigating and managing presentations of haemoptysis.

Conclusion:

Understanding the different causes of haemoptysis is important for the otolaryngologist. The main concern is the detection of a malignant lesion in the upper aerodigestive tract or tracheobronchial tree. A thorough history and systematic examination can aid diagnosis.

Keywords

Tracheal DiseasesLaryngeal DiseasesPharyngeal DiseasesOtorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 8 , August 2015 , pp. 807 - 811
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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