Differential Diagnosis for Coughing up Blood
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chronic Bronchitis: This condition is often associated with smoking and can lead to the production of blood-tinged sputum due to chronic inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause inflammation in the lungs, leading to coughing up blood.
- Bronchiectasis: A condition characterized by damaged, dilated airways, which can result in chronic cough and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
- Lung Cancer: Tumors in the lungs can cause bleeding, leading to hemoptysis, especially in smokers or those with a history of smoking.
- Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that can cause coughing up blood, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those from endemic areas.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A life-threatening condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lung, which can cause sudden onset of coughing up blood.
- Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection: Although rare, these conditions can cause bleeding into the airways, leading to hemoptysis.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause bleeding in the lungs and kidneys.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause chronic respiratory infections and inflammation, potentially leading to hemoptysis.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the lungs.
- Mitral Stenosis: A heart condition where the mitral valve is narrowed, potentially leading to increased pressure in the lungs and subsequent bleeding.
- Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation (PAVM): A rare congenital condition where abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the lungs can cause bleeding.