The table below lists the main characteristics of the most important causes of haemoptysis:
| Diagnosis | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lung cancer | History of smokingSymptoms of malignancy: weight loss, anorexia |
| Pulmonary oedema | DyspnoeaBibasal crackles and S3 are the most reliable signs |
| Tuberculosis | Fever, night sweats, anorexia, weight loss |
| Pulmonary embolism | Pleuritic chest painTachycardia, tachypnoea |
| Lower respiratory tract infection | Usually acute history of purulent cough |
| Bronchiectasis | Usually long history of cough and daily purulent sputum production |
| Mitral stenosis | DyspnoeaAtrial fibrillationMalar flush on cheeksMid-diastolic murmur |
| Aspergilloma | Often past history of tuberculosis.Haemoptysis may be severeChest x-ray shows rounded opacity |
| Granulomatosis with polyangiitis | Upper respiratory tract: epistaxis, sinusitis, nasal crustingLower respiratory tract: dyspnoea, haemoptysisGlomerulonephritisSaddle-shape nose deformity |
| Goodpasture's syndrome | HaemoptysisSystemically unwell: fever, nauseaGlomerulonephritis |