Doctor Dang Thi Mai Khue, Deputy Head of General Internal Medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, reported that Liem, 72, has a medical history including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and pulmonary tuberculosis treated 10 years prior. She is currently on medication for chronic coronary artery disease, a factor that can prolong bleeding if respiratory tract damage occurs.

A chest CT scan revealed diffuse bronchiectasis in both lungs, fluid retention indicative of inflammation, and a partial collapse of the right middle lobe. Doctors diagnosed hemoptysis caused by superinfected bronchiectasis on a background of old pulmonary tuberculosis. Treatment involved hemostatic drugs, antibiotics, and cough suppressants, with close monitoring.

Concurrently, doctors performed sputum microscopy and culture to identify microbial agents like tuberculosis or bacteria. After 5 days, the patient's cough and fever resolved. Her treatment regimen for underlying conditions was then adjusted, and she was monitored for recurrence risk before discharge.

Doctor Khue explains the patient's health condition to control the disease and prevent complications. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Bronchiectasis involves the permanent destruction and dilation of bronchial walls, often following recurrent infections or lung diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis. When the bronchial wall structure is damaged, blood vessels proliferate abnormally, becoming thin and fragile. A strong cough or a respiratory infection can rupture these vessels, leading to hemoptysis.

Doctor Khue emphasized that hemoptysis is not always caused by tuberculosis or lung cancer; bronchiectasis is a common underlying reason. Without complete treatment, patients risk repeated recurrences. When experiencing this condition, individuals must seek medical attention to identify the cause. Self-medicating with hemostatic drugs at home is not advised, as it can obscure serious conditions such as pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, vascular malformation, or lung cancer.

Individuals with a history of chronic lung disease should undergo regular check-ups, manage infections, receive vaccinations, adhere to prescribed medication, and avoid smoking.

Nhat Thanh

*Patient's name has been changed