Differential Diagnosis for Hemoptysis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chronic Bronchitis: This is often the most common cause of hemoptysis, especially in smokers, due to the chronic inflammation and damage to the airways.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause hemoptysis, especially if they lead to lung abscesses or cavitation.
- Bronchiectasis: A condition characterized by damaged, dilated airways, often due to recurrent infections, which can lead to chronic hemoptysis.
- Lung Cancer: Both primary and metastatic lung cancers can cause hemoptysis, especially if they invade or erode into airways.
- Tuberculosis: Although less common in some regions, TB remains a significant cause of hemoptysis worldwide, particularly in areas with high prevalence.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common as a cause of hemoptysis, it is critical to consider due to its high mortality rate if not promptly treated.
- Aortic Aneurysm or Aortobronchial Fistula: These conditions can cause massive, life-threatening hemoptysis and must be ruled out, especially in patients with risk factors for vascular disease.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: An autoimmune disease that can cause rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage, including hemoptysis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Mitral Stenosis: Can lead to hemoptysis due to pulmonary venous hypertension and subsequent hemorrhage.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A form of vasculitis that can affect the lungs and kidneys, causing hemoptysis among other symptoms.
- Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations: Congenital or acquired abnormalities that can cause hemoptysis, often associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
- Aspergilloma: A fungal infection that can cause hemoptysis, particularly in immunocompromised patients or those with pre-existing lung disease.