Tag Katie Walker

Essentials 1 Most patients are stable and can be managed and investigated as outpatients. 2 It is essential to differentiate between haemoptysis, haematemesis and bleeding from the upper airway. 3 Chest x-ray is normal in 30% of patients with haemoptysis…

Essentials 1 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. 2 The majority of exacerbations of COPD are due to infection, but other important precipitants must be excluded. 3 It is prudent to…