Differential Diagnosis for a 5-Year-Old Patient with Intermittent Fevers and Lethargy
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Infection: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the age of the patient and the presentation of intermittent fevers, moderate to mild lethargy, and malaise. Viral infections are common in children and can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, lethargy, and malaise.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial Pharyngitis: This is a possible diagnosis, especially if the patient has a sore throat or other symptoms of a respiratory infection. Bacterial pharyngitis can cause fever, lethargy, and malaise, especially in children.
- Influenza: This is another possible diagnosis, especially during flu season. Influenza can cause fever, lethargy, and malaise, as well as other symptoms such as cough and sore throat.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is a possible diagnosis, especially if the patient has symptoms such as dysuria or frequency. UTIs can cause fever, lethargy, and malaise, especially in children.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningitis: This is a serious and potentially life-threatening diagnosis that must be considered, especially if the patient has symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, or seizures. Meningitis can cause fever, lethargy, and malaise, as well as other symptoms.
- Septicemia: This is another serious and potentially life-threatening diagnosis that must be considered, especially if the patient has symptoms such as severe lethargy or shock. Septicemia can cause fever, lethargy, and malaise, as well as other symptoms.
- Pneumonia: This is a possible diagnosis, especially if the patient has symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath. Pneumonia can cause fever, lethargy, and malaise, as well as other symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Kawasaki Disease: This is a rare diagnosis that must be considered, especially if the patient has symptoms such as rash, conjunctivitis, or lymphadenopathy. Kawasaki disease can cause fever, lethargy, and malaise, as well as other symptoms.
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): This is a rare diagnosis that must be considered, especially if the patient has symptoms such as joint pain or swelling. JIA can cause fever, lethargy, and malaise, as well as other symptoms.
- Lymphoma: This is a rare diagnosis that must be considered, especially if the patient has symptoms such as weight loss or night sweats. Lymphoma can cause fever, lethargy, and malaise, as well as other symptoms.