What is the term for blood in the sputum?

What is the term for blood in the sputum?

• A. Epistaxis
• B. Hemoptysis
• C. Hematochezia
• D. Hemathemesis

Answer: (B)

Blood in the sputum is called hemoptysis. It means coughing up blood from the lower respiratory tract, with the blood may appear as streaks or as more substantial amounts. The term comes from Greek roots meaning blood (haima) and spitting (ptysis). This distinguishes a lung or airway source from bleeding traced to other sites. Epistaxis is a nosebleed, hematochezia is blood in the stool, and hematemesis is vomiting blood from the upper GI tract. Note that hematemesis is the correct term for vomiting blood, not blood in the sputum, and massive hemoptysis requires urgent medical evaluation.

Blood in the sputum is called hemoptysis. It means coughing up blood from the lower respiratory tract, with the blood may appear as streaks or as more substantial amounts. The term comes from Greek roots meaning blood (haima) and spitting (ptysis). This distinguishes a lung or airway source from bleeding traced to other sites. Epistaxis is a nosebleed, hematochezia is blood in the stool, and hematemesis is vomiting blood from the upper GI tract. Note that hematemesis is the correct term for vomiting blood, not blood in the sputum, and massive hemoptysis requires urgent medical evaluation.