Differential Diagnosis for a 24-year-old with Sore Throat
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of sore throat in young adults, often due to viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, or adenovirus. The justification for this diagnosis is the high prevalence of viral infections in this age group and the typical presentation of sore throat, which may be accompanied by other symptoms like cough, runny nose, and fever.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat): Caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, this bacterial infection is a common cause of sore throat, especially in younger adults. Symptoms can include severe sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, which can be caused by either viral or bacterial infections, leading to sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever.
- Mononucleosis (mono): Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, this condition can lead to sore throat, fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, particularly in young adults.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Epiglottitis: A potentially life-threatening condition where the epiglottis becomes inflamed, which can lead to airway obstruction. Symptoms include severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.
- Peritonsillar abscess: A collection of pus behind the tonsils that can cause severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and a muffled voice.
- Lemierre's syndrome: A rare but serious condition characterized by a bacterial infection of the tonsils, which can lead to thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Rare diagnoses
- Diphtheria: A bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can lead to a severe sore throat, difficulty breathing, and a greyish membrane covering the tonsils and throat.
- Gonococcal pharyngitis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can result in sore throat, often without other symptoms.
- HIV pharyngitis: Sore throat can be an early symptom of HIV infection, often accompanied by other symptoms like fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy.