Bronkialblodförsörjningen

Bronkialblodföring refers to bleeding originating from the bronchial arteries. These arteries are part of the systemic circulation and supply oxygenated blood to the lungs and the bronchi, which are the airways. This is distinct from pulmonary hemorrhage, which involves bleeding from the pulmonary vasculature, part of the low-pressure pulmonary circulation. Bronchial bleeding is a common cause of hemoptysis, which is the coughing up of blood.

The most frequent cause of significant bronchial hemorrhage is bronchiectasis, a condition where the airways become abnormally widened and scarred, leading to inflammation and increased vascularity. Other causes include chronic bronchitis, lung infections like tuberculosis, lung tumors, and trauma to the chest. In some cases, the bleeding can be triggered by procedures such as bronchoscopy or lung biopsies.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as a chest X-ray or CT scan to identify the underlying cause. Angiography may be used to pinpoint the bleeding site and guide treatment. Treatment strategies depend on the severity and cause of the bleeding and can range from conservative measures like bed rest and cough suppressants to more aggressive interventions such as bronchial artery embolization, where the bleeding vessel is intentionally blocked, or in severe cases, surgical resection of the affected lung tissue.