Differential Diagnosis for 59-year-old Female with Respiratory Symptoms
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Acute Sinusitis: The patient's symptoms of increasing sinus pressure, body aches, chest congestion, bilateral ear fullness, and sore throat are consistent with acute sinusitis, which is often a complication of a viral upper respiratory infection (URI). The lingering cough and recent history of viral URI support this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Acute Bronchitis: The patient's cough, which started with a viral URI and has lingered, could be indicative of acute bronchitis, especially if the cough is productive.
- Allergic Rhinitis: The symptoms of sinus pressure, congestion, and sore throat could also be related to allergic rhinitis, particularly if the patient has a history of allergies.
- Influenza: Although the patient's symptoms have been present for 4 days, influenza is still a possibility, especially if the patient was exposed to someone with the flu during her vacation.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Pneumonia: While the patient's symptoms are more consistent with an upper respiratory infection, pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening condition that must be considered, especially in older adults.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less likely, pulmonary embolism can present with cough, chest congestion, and body aches, and is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Epiglottitis: This rare but potentially life-threatening condition can cause severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath, and must be considered in the differential diagnosis.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Tuberculosis: Although unlikely, tuberculosis can present with chronic cough, chest congestion, and body aches, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of exposure or travel to endemic areas.
- Sarcoidosis: This rare autoimmune disorder can cause respiratory symptoms, including cough, chest congestion, and sinusitis, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis if other causes are ruled out.