Differential Diagnosis for URTI
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold): This is the most common cause of URTI symptoms, such as runny nose, cough, and sore throat, and is usually self-limiting.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial pharyngitis (e.g., strep throat): Presents with sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, and requires antibiotic treatment.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses, often caused by bacterial or viral infection, presenting with facial pain, nasal congestion, and purulent discharge.
- Allergic rhinitis: An allergic reaction to airborne allergens, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Epiglottitis: A potentially life-threatening infection of the epiglottis, requiring prompt medical attention, presenting with severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.
- Peritonsillar abscess: A collection of pus behind the tonsils, requiring drainage and antibiotic treatment, presenting with severe sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
- Lemierre's syndrome: A rare but serious condition caused by bacterial infection, presenting with sore throat, fever, and neck pain, which can lead to sepsis and other complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Infectious mononucleosis: A viral infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus, presenting with sore throat, fever, and lymphadenopathy.
- Diphtheria: A rare but serious bacterial infection, presenting with sore throat, fever, and a characteristic membrane covering the tonsils and throat.
- Tuberculosis: A rare cause of URTI symptoms, presenting with chronic cough, fever, and weight loss, requiring prompt medical attention and treatment.