Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Onset of Swelling, Pain, Discharge, and Redness in the Left Lower Lid
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Blepharitis: This is an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause redness, swelling, and discharge. The sudden onset and presence of discharge make it a likely diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, this is an infection or inflammation of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It can cause redness, discharge, and swelling.
- Hordeolum (Stye): A localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid margin involving hair follicles of the eyelashes or meibomian glands. It presents with sudden onset of pain, redness, and swelling.
- Chalazion: A small bump on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. It can cause swelling, redness, and pain, but usually does not have discharge.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Orbital Cellulitis: An infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Symptoms include swelling, redness, pain, and discharge, but it tends to have more severe symptoms such as fever, vision changes, and protrusion of the eye.
- Endophthalmitis: A severe inflammation of the interior of the eye, usually caused by infection. It is a medical emergency and can present with pain, redness, and vision loss.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Dacryocystitis: An infection of the lacrimal sac, usually caused by a blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. It can cause swelling, redness, and pain on the side of the nose and lower lid, and discharge.
- Angioedema: A rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues. It can cause sudden onset of swelling, but usually does not have discharge or redness limited to the eye area.