Differential Diagnosis for Stomatitis and Shortness of Breath
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pneumonia: This is a common condition that can cause shortness of breath, and stomatitis can be a secondary infection or a sign of a compromised immune system, making pneumonia a likely underlying cause.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Asthma: Asthma can cause shortness of breath, and stomatitis can be a side effect of inhaler use or a sign of an allergic reaction.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD can cause shortness of breath, and stomatitis can be a sign of poor oral health, which is common in COPD patients.
- Influenza: Influenza can cause shortness of breath, and stomatitis can be a symptom of the flu or a secondary bacterial infection.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less likely, pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that can cause shortness of breath, and stomatitis can be a sign of a hypercoagulable state or a complication of immobility.
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): ARDS is a life-threatening condition that can cause shortness of breath, and stomatitis can be a sign of a severe systemic infection or inflammation.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer can cause shortness of breath, and stomatitis can be a sign of metastasis or a paraneoplastic syndrome.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Wegener's Granulomatosis: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause shortness of breath and stomatitis, among other symptoms.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: This is a rare genetic disorder that can cause shortness of breath and stomatitis, among other symptoms, due to fragile tissues and poor wound healing.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause stomatitis and shortness of breath, among other symptoms, due to inflammation and dryness of the mucous membranes.