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 may be viral or bacterial in origin.
- Pharyngitis: The sore throat and fever could be due to pharyngitis, which may 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 may include sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
- Meningitis: The combination of headache, fever, and vomiting could indicate meningitis, which is a medical emergency.
- Pneumonia: The patient's cough and fever could be symptoms of pneumonia, which may be bacterial or viral in origin.
- Rare diagnoses
- Mononucleosis: The patient's symptoms of sore throat, fever, and headache could be due to mononucleosis, although this is less likely.
- Lemierre's syndrome: This rare condition is characterized by a sore throat, fever, and neck pain, and is caused by a bacterial infection.
- Tuberculosis: Although rare, tuberculosis can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, and weight loss, and should be considered in patients with risk factors.