Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Esophageal obstruction or pill esophagitis: The husband's symptoms of choking, coughing, and feeling like his airway was closed off after taking a pill without food suggest that the pill may have become lodged in his esophagus, causing an obstruction. The fact that the pill was a benzoate, which can be irritating to the esophageal mucosa, increases the likelihood of this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Acute bronchospasm or asthma exacerbation: The husband's history of coughing and the fact that the pill was supposed to help with his coughing suggest that he may have an underlying respiratory condition. The symptoms of choking and coughing could be indicative of an acute bronchospasm or asthma exacerbation.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): The husband's symptoms of coughing and feeling like his airway was closed off could be related to GERD, especially if the pill irritated the esophageal mucosa and triggered a reflux episode.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Aspiration pneumonia: The husband's symptoms of choking and coughing increase the risk of aspiration, which could lead to pneumonia. This diagnosis is critical to consider, as aspiration pneumonia can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Anaphylaxis: Although the husband's symptoms do not typically suggest anaphylaxis, it is essential to consider this diagnosis, as anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Esophageal rupture or perforation: The husband's symptoms of severe coughing and feeling like his airway was closed off could be indicative of an esophageal rupture or perforation, although this is a rare complication.
- Angioedema: The husband's symptoms of facial purple discoloration and feeling like his airway was closed off could be suggestive of angioedema, although this is a rare condition.