Most cases of hemoptysis are due to lung infections, bronchiectasis, lung cancer and pulmonary vascular disorders. Apart from the respiratory passages, the blood coming up with a cough may also originate from elsewhere, and its amount may vary from minor streaks of blood to a massive pulmonary hemorrhage. The extent of hemorrhage is decisive for the choice of investigational and therapeutic measures. Massive hemoptysis is always life-threatening and requires immediate action. Accurate determination of the cause of the hemorrhage is possible only after the acute situation has settled. In the hospital, bronchoscopy is the most important means of investigation and treatment.