Differential Diagnosis for Upper Throat Congestion

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Viral Pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of upper throat congestion, often resulting from viral infections such as the common cold or flu. Symptoms include sore throat, cough, and runny nose.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies can cause throat congestion due to postnasal drip, where mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat, leading to irritation and congestion.
• Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can lead to throat congestion, as mucus from the sinuses can drain down the back of the throat.
• Acute Tonsillitis: Infection of the tonsils, which can be viral or bacterial, leading to sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
• Laryngitis: Inflammation of the vocal cords, often due to viral infections or overuse of the voice, leading to hoarseness and throat congestion.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Epiglottitis: A potentially life-threatening condition where the epiglottis becomes inflamed, which can lead to airway obstruction. Symptoms include severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.
• Peritonsillar Abscess: A collection of pus behind the tonsils, which can lead to severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and fever. If left untreated, it can lead to airway obstruction.
• Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare but serious condition where a bacterial infection in the throat leads to a blood clot in the jugular vein, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.

Rare Diagnoses

• Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body, including the throat, leading to chronic cough, fever, and weight loss.
• Sarcoidosis: An autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the throat, leading to symptoms such as sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
• Wegener's Granulomatosis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation in the throat, leading to symptoms such as sore throat, nosebleeds, and cough.
• Throat Cancer: Although rare, cancer of the throat can cause symptoms such as persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness.