Differential Diagnosis for Hemoptysis and Fever
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pneumonia: This is the most likely diagnosis, as pneumonia can cause both hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and fever. The infection can lead to inflammation and bleeding in the lungs, resulting in hemoptysis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bronchitis: Chronic or acute bronchitis can cause hemoptysis, especially if the airways are inflamed or infected. Fever may also be present, particularly in acute bronchitis.
- Tuberculosis (TB): TB is a bacterial infection that can cause hemoptysis and fever, especially in people with weakened immune systems or those who have not received treatment.
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): While PE typically presents with sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath, it can also cause hemoptysis, especially if there is infarction of lung tissue.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lung Cancer: Although less common, lung cancer can cause hemoptysis and fever, especially if there is tumor invasion into the airways or secondary infection.
- Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): AVMs are abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the lungs, which can cause hemoptysis. Fever may be present if there is associated infection.
- Goodpasture's Syndrome: This rare autoimmune disease can cause hemoptysis, fever, and renal failure due to antibodies against the basement membrane of the lungs and kidneys.
Rare Diagnoses
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): This rare autoimmune disorder can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, leading to hemoptysis, fever, and renal failure.
- Mitral Stenosis: This heart condition can cause hemoptysis due to increased pressure in the pulmonary veins, leading to bleeding. Fever may be present if there is associated infection or endocarditis.
- Pulmonary Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the lungs can cause hemoptysis and fever, although this is a rare condition.