Hæmoptysis

Hæmoptysis (Gr. ptysis, 'spitting'), expectoration of blood, a symptom of disease of the lungs or heart, in all cases of great importance, and requiring immediate attention, but apt to be viewed popularly with a somewhat exaggerated alarm. It is seldom directly fatal, but it is often the first announcement of phthisis, and it is a matter of common prudence to seek medical advice on the appearance of even the slightest tinge of blood in the expectoration. Blood which comes from the lungs is coughed up, and it is generally bright and frothy. Blood from the stomach is vomited, and has the appearance of coffee grounds or hare soup from the action of the gastric juice on it. See BLEEDING.