Differential Diagnosis
The patient's symptoms of sore throat, headache, fever, sinus congestion, cough, and vomiting suggest a respiratory infection. Here's a differential diagnosis organized into categories:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): This is the most likely diagnosis given the combination of symptoms such as sore throat, headache, fever, sinus congestion, and cough, which are common in viral URTIs. The onset of vomiting could be due to the viral infection or dehydration.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Influenza: The patient's symptoms of fever, headache, sore throat, and cough are consistent with influenza, especially during flu season.
- Sinusitis: The symptoms of sinus congestion, headache, and fever could indicate sinusitis, which can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
- Pharyngitis: The sore throat and fever could be due to pharyngitis, which can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Epiglottitis: Although rare, epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can include sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
- Pneumonia: The patient's cough and fever could indicate pneumonia, which can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
- Meningitis: The combination of headache, fever, and vomiting could suggest meningitis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Mononucleosis: The patient's symptoms of sore throat, fever, and headache could be due to mononucleosis, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
- Lemierre's syndrome: This rare condition is characterized by a sore throat, fever, and neck pain, and can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
- Tuberculosis: Although rare, tuberculosis can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, and weight loss, and should be considered in patients with risk factors or exposure history.