Differential Diagnosis for Malaise, Weakness, and Conjunctival Pallor
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: This condition is the most common cause of conjunctival pallor, malaise, and weakness due to a lack of iron, which is essential for hemoglobin production and oxygen delivery to tissues.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vitamin Deficiency Anemia (B12 or Folate): Deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate can lead to anemia, causing symptoms like malaise, weakness, and conjunctival pallor due to impaired red blood cell production.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): CKD can lead to anemia, which presents with malaise, weakness, and conjunctival pallor, among other symptoms, due to the kidney's reduced ability to produce erythropoietin.
- Chronic Infections (e.g., Tuberculosis, Endocarditis): Chronic infections can cause prolonged malaise, weakness, and anemia, leading to conjunctival pallor.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Blood Loss: Internal or external bleeding can rapidly lead to anemia, presenting with malaise, weakness, and conjunctival pallor. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate attention.
- Leukemia or Lymphoma: These cancers can cause anemia, leading to the symptoms mentioned, and are critical to diagnose early for effective treatment.
- Sickle Cell Disease: Especially in individuals with a known history, sickle cell disease can cause anemia and the associated symptoms due to abnormal hemoglobin.
Rare Diagnoses
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Rare conditions like polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, or primary myelofibrosis can sometimes present with anemia and the mentioned symptoms, though they are more commonly associated with overproduction of blood cells.
- Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): A rare, acquired, life-threatening disease of the blood characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, leading to anemia and potentially the symptoms described.
- Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemias: A group of rare genetic disorders characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis, leading to anemia and its symptoms.