Differential Diagnosis for Hemoptysis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chronic Bronchitis: This is a common condition, especially in smokers, that can cause persistent cough and hemoptysis due to chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: Recurrent or persistent pneumonia can cause hemoptysis, especially if it's due to a necrotizing infection or a complication like a lung abscess.
- Tuberculosis (TB): TB is a significant cause of hemoptysis, particularly in endemic areas or in individuals with risk factors such as immunosuppression or recent travel to high-prevalence areas.
- Lung Cancer: Although less common than other causes, lung cancer should be considered, especially in smokers or those with a significant smoking history, as it can present with hemoptysis.
- Pulmonary Embolism: While less common, pulmonary embolism can cause hemoptysis, especially if there's infarction of lung tissue.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): Although rare, AVMs can cause significant and potentially life-threatening hemoptysis due to the risk of massive bleeding.
- Mitral Stenosis: This condition can lead to pulmonary venous hypertension and subsequent hemoptysis, which can be severe and life-threatening.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: An autoimmune disease that can cause rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage, making it a critical diagnosis not to miss.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A form of vasculitis that can affect the lungs and kidneys, potentially causing severe hemoptysis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Bronchiectasis: A condition characterized by permanent dilation of parts of the airways, which can lead to recurrent infections and hemoptysis.
- Cystic Fibrosis: While primarily a disease of children and young adults, cystic fibrosis can cause bronchiectasis and hemoptysis in any age group.
- Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A rare disease that can cause cystic lung lesions and potentially hemoptysis.
- Trauma: Both blunt and penetrating trauma to the chest can cause hemoptysis, depending on the nature and severity of the injury.