Differential Diagnosis for a 34-year-old man with left nasal passage feeling blocked
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Allergic rhinitis: This is a common condition that can cause nasal congestion and redness without the presence of mucus or septal deviation. The lack of mucus and septal deviation, combined with the symptom of nasal blockage, makes allergic rhinitis a plausible explanation.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Vasomotor rhinitis: This non-allergic condition can cause nasal congestion and is often triggered by environmental factors such as temperature or humidity changes. The absence of mucus and septal deviation, along with the redness of the nasal passages, could suggest vasomotor rhinitis.
- Anatomical variation (e.g., turbinate bone enlargement): Although the examination did not note septal deviation, other anatomical variations such as turbinate bone enlargement could cause unilateral nasal obstruction without mucus or septal deviation.
- Dry air or environmental irritants: Prolonged exposure to dry air or environmental irritants could cause nasal dryness, redness, and a feeling of blockage without the presence of mucus.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Nasal tumor (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma): Although rare, nasal tumors can cause unilateral nasal obstruction and should be considered, especially if other symptoms such as bleeding, pain, or facial numbness are present.
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis): This autoimmune disorder can cause nasal congestion, redness, and destruction of the nasal passages, and is a potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disorder can cause granulomatous inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to congestion and redness.
- Relapsing polychondritis: This rare autoimmune disorder can cause inflammation and destruction of the cartilaginous structures in the nose, leading to nasal congestion and redness.