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What is pulmonary hemosiderosis?
26 November 2025
Pulmonary hemosiderosis is a rare lung condition of unknown origin characterized by repeated hemorrhages in the pulmonary alveoli, anemia, and respiratory failure.
Pulmonary hemosiderosis typically affects children, but it can also occur during adolescence or adulthood. It can progress from a mild condition with no lasting effects or organ damage to progressive pulmonary fibrosis or even death.
Although the causes are unknown, clinical studies point to an autoimmune disorder in the lung cells responsible for the mechanism of oxygen and carbon dioxide production. This allows red blood cells to leak, break down, and release iron, which accumulates in the lungs and damages them.
It’s believed that in pulmonary hemosiderosis, the immune system attacks and injures lung tissue, also affecting other organs, primarily the kidneys.
It is classified as either primary or secondary to other systemic diseases.
Signs and symptoms Pulmonary Hemosiderosis
- Anemia
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic fatigue
- Low weight
- Pale skin
- Dry cough
- Coughing up blood
Pulmonary hemosiderosis can lead to various risks and complications, such as:
- Clubbing, or the thickening of the ends of the fingers and toes.
- Iron-deficiency anemia.
- Heart problems.
- Chronic dyspnea (shortness of breath).
- Interstitial fibrosis.
- Death.
Diagnosis and treatment Pulmonary Hemosiderosis
In addition to analyzing your symptoms and reviewing your medical history, your doctor will order the following tests to help confirm the diagnosis:
- Blood tests
- Bronchoalveolar lavage
- Chest X-rays
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Lung biopsy
Treatment involves alleviating symptoms and avoiding greater risks through the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine, we provide high-quality, safe medical care, from prevention and diagnosis to timely treatment and follow-up for infectious, respiratory, endocrine, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological conditions. We treat both chronic-degenerative and acute illnesses using a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach.
Related centers and departments Pulmonary Hemosiderosis
Fuentes:
- ramr.org
- analesdepediatria.org
- archbronconeumol.org
- elsevier.es
- msdmanuals.com
- cun.es
- medigraphic.com
- Dilú SZM, Cunill RS, Tamayo RCM, et al. Hemosiderosis pulmonar en una lactante. MediSan. 2013;17(04):726-731.
- Rivero GM, Seiglie DF, Luís ÁMC, et al. Hemosiderosis pulmonar idiopática. Rev Cubana Pediatr. 2012;84(3):293-300.
- Salcido PPA, Baños SC, Reyes CGC, et al. Bilateral pulmonary infiltrates by recurrent idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis. Med Int Mex. 2012;28(3):288-292.
How can we help you?
The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
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