Differential Diagnosis for Ongoing Cough with Enlarged Tonsil and Deviated Uvula

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Tonsillitis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the symptoms of an ongoing cough, enlarged tonsil, and deviated uvula. Tonsillitis, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, can lead to these symptoms due to inflammation and infection of the tonsils.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Peritonsillar Abscess: An abscess that forms beside the tonsils, which can cause a deviated uvula, severe throat pain, and difficulty swallowing. It's a complication of tonsillitis.
• Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx, which can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, leading to symptoms like cough, sore throat, and potentially enlarged tonsils.
• Sinusitis: Infection or inflammation of the sinuses can cause a cough, and if the infection spreads to the throat, it might also cause tonsil enlargement and uvular deviation.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Epiglottitis: A potentially life-threatening condition that involves inflammation of the epiglottis, which can cause severe swelling and potentially block the airway. Symptoms can include a severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.
• Retropharyngeal Abscess: An abscess in the tissues in the back of the throat, which can cause severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and potentially life-threatening airway obstruction.
• Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare but serious condition that starts with a sore throat and can progress to include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and potentially life-threatening complications like sepsis or thrombophlebitis.

Rare Diagnoses

• Tuberculosis (TB): Although rare in many parts of the world, TB can cause chronic cough and might involve the tonsils or other parts of the throat, leading to symptoms like those described.
• Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the throat, leading to symptoms like cough and potentially enlarged tonsils.
• Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can affect various parts of the body, including the respiratory tract, and might cause symptoms like a chronic cough and throat involvement.