Differential Diagnosis for Lower Right Lobe Pneumonia
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of lower right lobe pain and pneumonia, as CAP is a common cause of pneumonia in otherwise healthy individuals.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Pulmonary embolism: Although less common, pulmonary embolism can present with similar symptoms, including chest pain and pneumonia-like symptoms due to infarction.
- Bronchitis: If the pneumonia is not clearly defined or the patient has a history of chronic bronchitis, this could be a consideration, especially if the patient has a productive cough.
- Influenza: During flu season, influenza can cause pneumonia, and the presentation can be similar to bacterial pneumonia.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Tuberculosis (TB): Although less common in some regions, TB can present with pneumonia-like symptoms and is crucial to diagnose due to its public health implications and the need for specific treatment.
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP): In immunocompromised patients, PCP is a critical diagnosis to consider due to its high mortality rate if untreated.
- Lung abscess: A lung abscess can present with symptoms similar to pneumonia but requires different management, including possible drainage.
- Rare diagnoses
- Q fever: A rare cause of pneumonia caused by Coxiella burnetii, often related to exposure to animals.
- Psittacosis: Caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, this is a rare form of pneumonia associated with exposure to birds.
- Fungal pneumonia: In immunocompromised patients or those with specific exposures (e.g., histoplasmosis in endemic areas), fungal pneumonia can be a rare but serious diagnosis.