Differential Diagnosis for Facial Pressure, Dental Pain, Frontal Headache, Sore Throat, Coughing, and Hoarseness
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sinusitis: This condition is the most likely diagnosis given the combination of facial pressure, frontal headache, and dental pain, which are common symptoms of sinus inflammation. The presence of sore throat and coughing can also be associated with sinusitis due to postnasal drip.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI): Symptoms such as sore throat, coughing, and hoarseness are typical of URTIs, which could also explain the facial pressure and headache if the infection involves the sinuses.
- Allergic Rhinitis: This condition can cause similar symptoms, including facial pressure, headache, sore throat, and cough, especially if the allergies lead to sinus congestion and postnasal drip.
- Tonsillitis: Although primarily causing sore throat, tonsillitis can lead to referred pain and contribute to coughing and hoarseness, potentially explaining some of the symptoms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lung Cancer: Although less likely, lung cancer can cause coughing and hoarseness due to vocal cord paralysis or compression. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially in smokers or those with a significant smoking history.
- Thyroid Cancer: Hoarseness can be a symptom of thyroid cancer due to compression or invasion of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This diagnosis is critical not to miss due to its potential impact on prognosis and treatment.
- Temporal Arteritis: This condition can cause headache and facial pain, particularly in older adults. It's essential to consider due to the risk of vision loss if not promptly treated.
- Meningitis: Although the symptoms don't perfectly align, meningitis can cause severe headache and, in some cases, facial pain. It's a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can affect the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys, potentially causing some of the described symptoms.
- Sarcoidosis: This condition can affect multiple parts of the body, including the lungs, sinuses, and lymph nodes, leading to a variety of symptoms that might fit the presentation.
- Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare disease that can cause inflammation of the cartilage in the ears, nose, trachea, and joints, potentially leading to some of the symptoms described, especially hoarseness if the trachea is involved.