What is the Difference Between Hematemesis and Hemoptysis?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Hematemesis and hemoptysis are two different symptoms characterized by unusual bleeding, both indicating underlying pathological conditions. The key difference between the two lies in the manner in which the blood is expelled from the body:
- Hematemesis: This involves vomiting blood, usually indicating bleeding in the digestive system. The blood in hematemesis is dark red or brown and may be mixed with food particles. Hematemesis is typically preceded by vomiting or retching and is often associated with an upper gastrointestinal bleed, usually from the esophagus, stomach, or proximal duodenum.
- Hemoptysis: This involves coughing up blood from the lower regions of the respiratory system, usually indicating a problem related to the respiratory or cardiovascular system. The blood in hemoptysis is generally bright red or rust and may be admixed with sputum and frothy. Hemoptysis can be caused by various factors, including infections, vascular involvement, malignancy, and foreign body aspiration or trauma.
Diagnosis and treatment options for both hematemesis and hemoptysis depend on identifying the cause of the bleeding. In some cases, a careful history can help resolve confusion between the two symptoms. While hemoptysis is not always dangerous and can even occur from excessive coughing, hematemesis is often more serious and requires immediate medical attention.
Comparative Table: Hematemesis vs Hemoptysis
Here is a table comparing the differences between hematemesis and hemoptysis:
Feature | Hematemesis | Hemoptysis |
---|---|---|
Definition | Vomiting of blood | Coughing up of blood |
Origin | Upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, or proximal duodenum) | Lower regions of the respiratory system |
Appearance | Bright red or pink, may have a coffee ground appearance | Bright red or rust, may be admixed with sputum and frothy |
pH | Acidic | Alkaline |
Associated | Vomiting or retching commonly precedes the bleeding | Blood is generally coughed up on its own or mixed with mucus |
Causes | Common causes include esophagitis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer | Common causes include respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, and lung cancer |
Both hematemesis and hemoptysis are symptoms of underlying conditions and require proper diagnosis and treatment. The differences in their appearance, origin, and associated symptoms can help differentiate between the two.
- Hematochezia vs Melena
- Hemorrhage vs Hematoma
- Hemothorax vs Pneumothorax
- Hematoma vs Hemangioma
- Hemothorax vs Pleural Effusion
- Hematuria vs Hemoglobinuria
- Vomiting vs Regurgitation
- Hematopoiesis vs Erythropoiesis
- Dialysis vs Hemodialysis
- Hemostasis vs Coagulation
- Hemochromatosis vs Hemosiderosis
- Heme vs Hemin
- Hemoglobin vs Hematocrit
- Vomit vs Spit Up
- Hemorrhagic Stroke vs Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
- Pulmonary Embolism vs Venous Thromboembolism
- Contusion vs Hematoma
- Spotting vs Bleeding
- Blood vs Hemolymph