Differential Diagnosis for Chronic Cough with Esophagram Showing Mild Esophagus Dysmotility
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is the most likely diagnosis due to the presence of mild esophagus dysmotility and episodes of reversal of esophageal peristalsis, which can lead to reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, causing chronic cough.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Esophageal Dysmotility Disorder: The esophagram findings of mild esophagus dysmotility with episodes of reversal of esophageal peristalsis suggest a primary motility disorder of the esophagus, which can cause chronic cough.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause dysmotility and lead to chronic cough.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Achalasia: Although less likely, achalasia is a serious condition that can cause dysphagia, regurgitation, and chronic cough due to the inability of food to pass through the esophagus.
- Esophageal Cancer: It is essential to rule out esophageal cancer, as it can cause chronic cough, dysphagia, and weight loss, and has a poor prognosis if not diagnosed early.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Scleroderma: This autoimmune disorder can cause esophageal dysmotility and lead to chronic cough, although it is a rare condition.
- Chagas Disease: This parasitic infection can cause esophageal dysmotility and lead to chronic cough, although it is rare in non-endemic areas.
- Esophageal Spasm: This condition is characterized by abnormal contractions of the esophagus, which can cause chest pain and chronic cough, although it is a rare diagnosis.