Differential Diagnosis for a 10-Month-Old with Cough and Low-Grade Fever
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): This is the most common cause of cough and low-grade fever in infants, often caused by viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute bronchiolitis: Common in infants, especially those under 2 years, often caused by RSV, and presents with cough, wheezing, and sometimes fever.
- Pneumonia: Can be caused by viral or bacterial pathogens, presenting with cough, fever, and potentially difficulty breathing.
- Croup: An infection of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, characterized by a barking cough, hoarseness, and sometimes fever.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pertussis (whooping cough): Although less common due to vaccination, it's crucial to consider, especially if the cough is severe or has a characteristic whoop.
- Bacterial pneumonia: Such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae type b, which can be severe and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Influenza: Especially during flu season, as it can lead to severe complications in young children.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis (TB): Although rare in infants, TB can present with chronic cough and fever, and is crucial to consider, especially if there's a family history or exposure.
- Congenital anomalies: Such as tracheoesophageal fistula or vascular rings, which can cause chronic cough and respiratory symptoms.
- Immunodeficiency: Conditions like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) can predispose infants to severe and recurrent infections, including those causing cough and fever.