Hemoptysis

Here’s a mnemonic that I overheard in class one day.

It’s for the word Hemoptysis.

Hemoptysis is the coughing up or spitting  of blood from one’s lungs. It can be a sign of

a serious medical condition. It can be caused by infections such astuberculosis, cancer, and problems in blood vessels in the lungs.

In my class hemoptysis is introduced with several other

terms that are new but have similar meaning, epistaxis, melena and others. Thiscreates a perfect occasion for a good mnemonic.

Here is the one that I heard:  When you say hem-pt-ysis  you can put an emphasis on the “pt” sound and

create a sound that is similar to a “spitting” sound.  Of course, spitting often includes involves sputumso the correlation is solid.

I hope this helps you manage some of the pathology terms to

get you through the boards.