Objective: Hemoptysis is the rare but potentially life-threatening bleeding of the respiratory system. Whatever the underlying cause of hemoptysis, it causes anxiety in patients, families and physicians. Causes of hemoptysis may vary according to the race, region and research methodology. In this study we aimed to review the etiology of hemoptysis in children.

Material and Methods: Patients presenting with hemoptysis were evaluated retrospectively in terms of hemoptysis etiology, treatment and follow-up at a tertiary pediatric pulmonology department.

Results: Sixty-nine patients presented with the complaint of hemoptysis, and the mean age was 12.3±4.2 years. The most common cause of hemoptysis, seen in 13 patients (18%), was respiratory tract infections. Gastrointestinal bleeding, epistaxis, and gingivostomatitis were among causes of pseudohemoptysis while a history of coughing with the bleeding caused diagnostic confusion in these patients. According to the patient’s history and physical examinations, noninvasive procedures were used in 37% and invasive procedures such as bronchoscopy, endoscopy and angiography in 30% of the patients for the diagnosis.conclusion: Considering the number of diseases in the etiology of hemoptysis, a detailed medical history, physical examination and good communication with the child and parents may help the diagnosis while some patients need detailed and invasive procedures

Keywords: Child, Etiology, Hemoptysis