PC: Haemoptysis

Question 1

when thinking about Haemoptysis what symptoms do you need to explore

Answer 1

timing of it: when it started, acute/gradual onset, duration, progression, intermittent or continuous

cough: productive or not, any triggers eg nocturnal

Haemoptysis: volume, fresh or altered, frequency

sputum: how much, how often, colour and consistency, any blood

Question 2

what systematic review questions do you need to ask

Answer 2

general: fever, sweats, weight loss
cardioresp: chest pain, palpitations, SOB/wheeze, leg swelling

Question 3

what are the key differentials of Haemoptysis

Answer 3

pneumonia
pulmonary embolism
lung tumour

others; prolonged coughing, pulmonary odema, bronchiectasis, MS, TB, polyarteritis nodosa, good pastures syndrome
aspergillosis

Question 4

what clues/symptoms make you think of the following disease:

pneumonia

Answer 4

acute cough and sputum
may be SOB
systemic symptoms such as fever

Question 5

what clues/symptoms make you think of the following disease:

PE

Answer 5

pleuritic Chest Pain and SOB

risk factors like long haul flight, recent surgery or immobility)

Question 6

what clues/symptoms make you think of the following disease:

lung tumour

Answer 6

weight loss

significant smoking history

Question 7

what disease are you thinking of if you have these symptoms;

acute cough and sputum
may be SOB
systemic symptoms such as fever

Answer 7

pneumonia

Question 8

what disease are you thinking of if you have these symptoms;

pleuritic Chest Pain and SOB
risk factors like long haul flight, recent surgery or immobility)

Answer 8

PE

Question 9

what disease are you thinking of if you have these symptoms;

weight loss
significant smoking history

Answer 9

lung tumour