Differential Diagnosis for 11-year-old Girl with Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Community-acquired pneumonia: This is the most likely diagnosis given the symptoms of cough, fever, and the presence of an infiltrate on the chest X-ray. The patient's age and lack of chronic illnesses also support this diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Influenza: Given the symptoms of cough, fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, influenza is a plausible diagnosis, especially during flu season.
- Gastroenteritis: Although the X-ray shows an infiltrate, the prominent gastrointestinal symptoms could suggest a primary gastrointestinal infection, with the respiratory symptoms being secondary.
- Bronchiolitis: Although more common in younger children, bronchiolitis can occur in older children, especially if they have been exposed to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or other pathogens.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP): Although less likely in an immunocompetent child, PCP can present with similar symptoms and is critical to diagnose early due to its severity and the need for specific treatment.
- Tuberculosis (TB): TB can present with chronic cough, fever, and weight loss, and although less likely, it's crucial to consider, especially if there's a history of exposure or travel to endemic areas.
- Sepsis: Any child presenting with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with respiratory symptoms, could potentially be at risk for sepsis, especially if there are signs of dehydration or shock.
Rare Diagnoses
- Mycoplasma pneumonia: This can cause pneumonia that presents similarly to community-acquired pneumonia but might have additional symptoms like headache or rash.
- Q fever: A zoonotic infection that can cause pneumonia, although it's rare and usually associated with exposure to animals.
- Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can cause pneumonia, more common in endemic areas or with exposure to bird or bat droppings.