Hemoptysis, Bronchitis and endobronchial valves
"I have a new pulmonologist who says I have bronchitis and that my irritated airways may be the cause of hemoptysis, which is bloody or tinged sputum or coughing up blood. Fortunately I only have bloody or blood tinged sputum. I have read it is hard to diagnose the exact cause and that it may also resolve itself within 6 months. It may also require a bronchoscopy or embolism. I have one valve in my lung that cleared a pneumothorax last Fall. Docs say it served its purpose so it should be removed. I say it doesn't bother me, leave it be. Anyone else ever experience hemoptysis? Have a valve in your lungs? I'm also having a mild sore throat with this bout of hemoptysis. Feel fine otherwise, but always fear infection... "
Hello @kbair55!
I have not had valves. I had started the testing before covid started but have not started the process over yet. Hopefully, someone here can help answer some of those questions for you, but the medical ones we can not answer, just share our experiences. If you haven't already been there, there are many valve Facebook groups that may be a bit more helpful to you. Best, Jackie (Moderator)
Hemoptysis can have many causes. It's good that your pulmonologist is aware of it and is monitoring it. It can be caused by something as minor as irritated airways from excessive coughing, which could be the problem if you have bronchitis. It isn't all that uncommon, but it's certainly something to monitor.
Keep track of when you notice it, the amount you cough up, and if it's worse some times as opposed to others. This information will help your doctor in determining what the cause is.
Take care and keep us posted on your progress.
Lyn (site moderator COPD.net),
I can certainly understand your fear of infection. I caught mycobacterial pneumonia last fall and spent a week in ICU due to hemoptysis. I am still fighting the infection. The doctor said it might take 6 months to a year to completely clear it up. It is working on 8 months of antibiotics and still going. I coughed up enough blood the hospital was considering a blood transfusion but ended up not doing it. To the best of my knowledge, I do not have a valve in my right lung. The pulmonologist did biopsies (which came back benign) and cauterized blood vessels. Just got a CT scan to determine if the nodule I now have in my right lung is shrinking. The original nodule that caused the bleeding has dissipated and hopefully this one will also. I will know next week when I see my pulmonologist. The experience of hemoptysis is not one I want to ever experience again. It was one of the scariest things I have ever been through. So, I totally understand your fear of infection as I have the same.
