Differential Diagnosis for Left Nasal Congestion with Left Sided Throat Itch and Ear Itch
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Allergic Rhinitis: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the combination of nasal congestion, throat itch, and ear itch on one side, which can be caused by an allergic reaction to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Viral Upper Respiratory Infection (URI): A viral infection can cause nasal congestion, throat itch, and ear itch, and often affects one side more than the other.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause nasal congestion, throat itch, and ear itch, especially if the infection is limited to one side.
- Environmental Irritants: Exposure to environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke, pollution, or strong odors can cause nasal congestion, throat itch, and ear itch.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Although rare, nasopharyngeal cancer can cause unilateral nasal congestion, throat itch, and ear itch, and is a diagnosis that should not be missed due to its potential for serious consequences if left untreated.
- Temporal Bone Osteomyelitis: This is a rare but serious infection of the temporal bone that can cause ear itch, throat itch, and nasal congestion, and requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Relapsing Polychondritis: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the cartilage in the nose, throat, and ears, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, throat itch, and ear itch.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Although more commonly associated with swallowing difficulties and food impaction, eosinophilic esophagitis can also cause throat itch and ear itch in some cases.
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA): This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels and affect various organs, including the nose, throat, and ears, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, throat itch, and ear itch.