Differential Diagnosis for Chronic Cough with Cobblestone Appearance of the Pharyngeal Mucosa
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Postnasal drip syndrome (also known as upper airway secretion syndrome): This condition is characterized by the presence of excess mucus in the nasal passages, which can drip down the back of the throat and cause irritation, leading to a chronic cough. The cobblestone appearance of the pharyngeal mucosa is often seen in this condition due to the chronic inflammation and edema of the mucous membranes.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Allergic rhinitis: This condition can cause chronic inflammation and excess mucus production in the nasal passages, leading to postnasal drip and a chronic cough. The cobblestone appearance of the pharyngeal mucosa can be seen in allergic rhinitis due to the chronic allergic inflammation.
- Non-allergic rhinitis: This condition can also cause chronic inflammation and excess mucus production in the nasal passages, leading to postnasal drip and a chronic cough. The cobblestone appearance of the pharyngeal mucosa can be seen in non-allergic rhinitis due to the chronic inflammation.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR): This condition can cause chronic inflammation and irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa, leading to a chronic cough and a cobblestone appearance. LPR can be more difficult to diagnose than gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can have more severe consequences if left untreated.
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA): This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause chronic inflammation and damage to the respiratory tract, including the pharyngeal mucosa. GPA can present with a chronic cough and a cobblestone appearance of the pharyngeal mucosa, and it is important to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause chronic inflammation and granuloma formation in various parts of the body, including the respiratory tract. Sarcoidosis can present with a chronic cough and a cobblestone appearance of the pharyngeal mucosa, although this is a rare manifestation of the disease.
- Relapsing polychondritis: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause chronic inflammation and damage to the cartilaginous structures of the body, including the respiratory tract. Relapsing polychondritis can present with a chronic cough and a cobblestone appearance of the pharyngeal mucosa, although this is a rare manifestation of the disease.