Differential Diagnosis for Hemoptysis

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Chronic Bronchitis: This is often the most common cause of hemoptysis, especially in smokers. The chronic inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes can lead to bleeding.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Pneumonia: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause inflammation of the lung tissue, leading to hemoptysis.
• Bronchiectasis: A condition characterized by damaged, dilated airways, which can cause chronic cough and hemoptysis.
• Lung Cancer: Tumors in the lung can erode into blood vessels, causing bleeding.
• Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that can cause chronic inflammation and scarring in the lungs, leading to hemoptysis.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism can cause sudden, severe hemoptysis, and is a medical emergency.
• Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection: Rupture of an aortic aneurysm or dissection can cause massive hemoptysis due to erosion into the airways.
• Goodpasture Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause bleeding in the lungs and kidneys.
• Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the lungs.

Rare Diagnoses

• Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): Abnormal connections between arteries and veins can cause bleeding in the lungs.
• Mitral Stenosis: A heart condition that can cause increased pressure in the pulmonary veins, leading to hemoptysis.
• Pulmonary Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the lungs, which can cause bleeding.
• Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause chronic lung infections and inflammation, leading to hemoptysis.