Differential Diagnosis for Fever
The differential diagnosis for fever is extensive and can be categorized into several groups. Here's a breakdown of the possible causes, organized by their likelihood and potential impact:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral upper respiratory tract infection: This is often the most common cause of fever, especially in otherwise healthy individuals. Justification: The high prevalence of viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, makes this a likely diagnosis.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infections): These are common causes of fever, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions. Justification: The presence of fever, along with other symptoms like cough or dysuria, suggests a bacterial infection.
- Influenza: This is a common cause of fever during flu season. Justification: The sudden onset of fever, cough, and body aches is characteristic of influenza.
- Gastroenteritis: This can cause fever, especially in individuals with a history of recent travel or exposure to contaminated food or water. Justification: The presence of fever, diarrhea, and vomiting suggests gastroenteritis.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis: This is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment. Justification: The presence of fever, tachycardia, and hypotension suggests sepsis.
- Meningitis: This is a serious infection that can cause fever, headache, and stiff neck. Justification: The presence of fever, headache, and neck stiffness suggests meningitis.
- Endocarditis: This is a rare but serious infection of the heart valves that can cause fever, especially in individuals with a history of heart disease. Justification: The presence of fever, heart murmur, and embolic phenomena suggests endocarditis.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Lymphoma: This is a type of cancer that can cause fever, especially in individuals with a history of cancer or immunosuppression. Justification: The presence of fever, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy suggests lymphoma.
- Connective tissue disease (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis): These conditions can cause fever, especially in individuals with a history of autoimmune disease. Justification: The presence of fever, joint pain, and rash suggests a connective tissue disease.
- Tuberculosis: This is a rare but serious infection that can cause fever, especially in individuals with a history of exposure to TB or immunosuppression. Justification: The presence of fever, cough, and weight loss suggests tuberculosis.