Differential Diagnosis for Fever, Hemoptysis, and Cough
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pneumonia: This is the most likely diagnosis given the combination of fever, cough, and hemoptysis. Pneumonia is a common infection that can cause these symptoms, especially in the context of a bacterial or viral infection.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis (TB): TB is another likely diagnosis, particularly in areas where TB is prevalent. It can cause chronic cough, fever, and hemoptysis, especially in advanced cases.
- Bronchitis: Acute or chronic bronchitis can cause cough and fever, and in some cases, hemoptysis, especially if there is an underlying condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Pulmonary Embolism: While less common, pulmonary embolism can cause sudden onset of cough, fever, and hemoptysis, especially if there is an associated pulmonary infarction.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lung Cancer: Although less likely, lung cancer is a critical diagnosis not to miss, as it can present with cough, fever, and hemoptysis, especially in smokers or those with a history of smoking.
- Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation: This rare condition can cause hemoptysis due to abnormal connections between pulmonary arteries and veins, and it's crucial to diagnose to prevent severe bleeding.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: An autoimmune disease that can cause pulmonary hemorrhage, leading to hemoptysis, and is often associated with renal failure.
Rare Diagnoses
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, leading to symptoms like cough, fever, and hemoptysis.
- Pulmonary Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the lungs can cause a variety of symptoms, including cough, fever, and hemoptysis, and is often associated with systemic diseases.
- Mitral Stenosis: A heart condition that can lead to pulmonary congestion and, in rare cases, hemoptysis, especially if there is associated pulmonary hypertension.