Differential Diagnosis for 8-month-old with Tachypnea
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Bronchiolitis: This is the most common cause of tachypnea in infants, especially in those under 2 years old. It is usually caused by a viral infection, with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most common culprit. The symptoms include tachypnea, wheezing, and sometimes fever.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: Bacterial or viral pneumonia can cause tachypnea in infants. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
- Asthma: Although less common in infants, asthma can cause episodic tachypnea, wheezing, and coughing.
- Congenital heart disease: Infants with undiagnosed congenital heart disease may present with tachypnea due to increased pulmonary blood flow or congestion.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pneumothorax: A life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Symptoms can include sudden onset of tachypnea, distress, and decreased breath sounds on the affected side.
- Sepsis: Bacterial sepsis can cause tachypnea, fever, and other systemic symptoms. Early recognition and treatment are crucial.
- Foreign body aspiration: Infants are prone to putting objects in their mouths, and aspiration can lead to tachypnea, coughing, and choking.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause chronic respiratory symptoms, including tachypnea, due to thickened mucus production.
- Interstitial lung disease: A group of rare disorders that affect the lung tissue and can cause tachypnea, among other symptoms.
- Pulmonary vascular malformations: Abnormalities in the blood vessels of the lungs can cause tachypnea, cyanosis, and other respiratory symptoms.