Differential Diagnosis for Sinus Pressure, Salivary Gland Swelling, and Wheezing
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Allergic Rhinitis: This condition is characterized by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens, leading to sinus pressure, swelling of the salivary glands due to postnasal drip, and wheezing due to the release of histamine and other mediators affecting the airways.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sinusitis: An infection or inflammation of the sinuses can cause sinus pressure and tenderness. If the infection spreads or if there's an allergic component, it could involve the salivary glands and cause wheezing.
- Viral Upper Respiratory Infection: Many viruses can cause upper respiratory infections that lead to sinus pressure, swelling of lymph nodes that might be mistaken for salivary gland swelling, and wheezing due to viral-induced bronchospasm.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the salivary and lacrimal glands, but can also cause sinusitis and respiratory symptoms, including wheezing. It's crucial to diagnose due to its potential for systemic involvement.
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA): A vasculitis that can affect multiple systems, including the respiratory tract (causing sinusitis and wheezing) and can involve the salivary glands. It's a diagnosis that must not be missed due to its potential severity and need for immunosuppressive treatment.
- Rare Diagnoses
- IgG4-Related Disease: A systemic fibroinflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs, including the salivary glands and sinuses, and potentially cause respiratory symptoms like wheezing. It's rare but important to consider in cases where common diagnoses don't fit.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition characterized by the growth of granulomas in various parts of the body, which can include the lungs (causing wheezing), sinuses, and salivary glands. It's a diagnosis that should be considered when other explanations are lacking, due to its potential for widespread involvement.