Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 10, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Hyperaemic Eyes with Fever, Body Pain, and Running Nose in a 62-Year-Old Female

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Conjunctivitis: This condition is characterized by hyperaemic eyes (redness due to increased blood flow), often accompanied by symptoms like fever, body pain, and running nose, which are indicative of a viral upper respiratory infection. The age and symptoms of the patient align well with this diagnosis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: Although more common in younger populations, allergic reactions can occur at any age. Symptoms include itchy, red, and watery eyes, which could be accompanied by a running nose due to allergic rhinitis.
  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis: This infection can cause red, painful eyes with discharge. While it's less likely to be associated with systemic symptoms like fever and body pain compared to viral conjunctivitis, it's still a consideration, especially if the discharge is purulent.
  • Influenza or Other Respiratory Viruses: The symptoms of fever, body pain, and running nose could indicate an influenza infection or another respiratory virus, with the eye symptoms being secondary or coincidental.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Kawasaki Disease: Although rare in adults, Kawasaki disease can cause fever, conjunctivitis, and other systemic symptoms. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis due to its potential for serious cardiac complications if left untreated.
  • Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis): This condition, more common in older adults, can cause fever, headache, and visual disturbances, including conjunctival injection. It's a medical emergency due to the risk of vision loss.
  • Endophthalmitis: A severe, sight-threatening infection within the eye that can follow trauma, surgery, or bloodstream infection. Symptoms include severe eye pain, redness, and vision loss, which could be accompanied by systemic signs of infection like fever.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause conjunctivitis, among other symptoms like fever and arthralgias, due to its inflammatory nature affecting cartilaginous structures.
  • Sarcoidosis: A systemic granulomatous disease that can affect the eyes, causing uveitis or conjunctivitis, and is often accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue.
  • Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including conjunctivitis, sinusitis, and systemic symptoms like fever and weight loss, due to its vasculitic nature.

Evaluation and Medication

  • Evaluation: A thorough history and physical examination, including ophthalmologic examination, are crucial. Laboratory tests may include complete blood count (CBC), blood cultures, and specific tests based on suspected underlying conditions (e.g., influenza testing, autoimmune panels).
  • Medication: Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. For viral conjunctivitis, supportive care with artificial tears and cold compresses may suffice. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require topical antibiotics. Systemic conditions like influenza may be treated with antivirals, and allergic conjunctivitis with antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers. For "Do Not Miss" diagnoses, specific treatments are available, such as high-dose aspirin and corticosteroids for Kawasaki disease, and corticosteroids for temporal arteritis.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.