Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Croup: The patient's symptoms of a high-pitched inspiratory noise (stridor), harsh cough, and worsening symptoms when crying are classic for croup, a common childhood illness characterized by inflammation of the larynx and trachea.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Viral upper respiratory infection (URI): The patient's symptoms of rhinorrhea, congestion, and cough are consistent with a viral URI, which is a common cause of illness in children.
- Bronchiolitis: The patient's age, symptoms of cough and congestion, and the presence of subcostal retractions could also suggest bronchiolitis, a common lower respiratory tract infection in young children.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Epiglottitis: Although less common, epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that can present with stridor, cough, and respiratory distress, and must be considered in the differential diagnosis.
- Foreign body aspiration: The patient's sudden onset of respiratory symptoms, including stridor and cough, could also suggest foreign body aspiration, which is a medical emergency.
- Pneumonia: The patient's symptoms of cough, congestion, and fever could also suggest pneumonia, which can be a serious illness in young children.
- Rare diagnoses
- Anaphylaxis: Although unlikely, anaphylaxis can present with stridor, cough, and respiratory distress, and must be considered in the differential diagnosis.
- Subglottic stenosis: This is a rare condition that can cause stridor and respiratory distress in children, but is less likely given the patient's acute presentation.
- Laryngomalacia: This is a rare condition that can cause stridor in infants, but is less likely given the patient's age and acute presentation.