ON HEMOPTYSIS

THESIS I.

Aemoptysis, or hemoptysis, which is called spitting of blood by the Latins: Is a symptom of the respiratory parts, in which blood is ejected through sputum. For it is our intention here to treat only of this species.

Since, therefore, there are three respiratory parts from which blood can be ejected, as many differences or species of hemoptysis are presently established: the first which derives its origin from the trachea, the second from the lungs, and the third from the vessels of the thorax.

Again, since each of these species is accustomed to follow the three causes common to all hemorrhage, in a similar manner three other differences or modes for each one may not ineptly be given: one which follows the opening of the vessels, another which follows the rupture, and a third which follows the erosion of the same.

Furthermore, the proximate causes of the opening of the vessels in these respiratory parts are a superabundance of blood, or flatulence, which, by distending the vessels, dilate their orifices: or heat, which opens them: or sharper blood, which does the same by its irritation: or excessive humidity, which softens and relaxes the vessels.

Thus, the weakness of the retentive faculty of the vessels is sometimes accustomed to be the cause of this opening.

The rupture of the vessels, however, arises from almost the same causes. For whether plethora or flatulence abounds in them beyond the measure of nature, they eventually bring about their rupture.