Differential Diagnosis for Sore Throat, Abdominal Discomfort, Fever, and Nausea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chlamydia: The patient's symptoms, including sore throat, abdominal discomfort, fever, and nausea, are consistent with a chlamydia infection, particularly if the patient has been sexually active. Chlamydia can cause pharyngitis (sore throat) and can also lead to symptoms like abdominal discomfort and fever if it spreads to other parts of the body.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gonorrhea: Similar to chlamydia, gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause pharyngitis, fever, and abdominal discomfort if it involves the gastrointestinal tract.
- Mononucleosis (Mono): Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, mono can lead to sore throat, fever, and abdominal discomfort due to spleen enlargement.
- Streptococcal Pharyngitis: While primarily causing a sore throat, streptococcal infections can also lead to fever and nausea. Abdominal discomfort might be less common but can occur.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- HIV Infection: Acute HIV infection can present with non-specific symptoms including sore throat, fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Missing this diagnosis could lead to delayed treatment and significant health consequences.
- Syphilis: Another sexually transmitted infection, syphilis can cause a wide range of symptoms in its various stages, including sore throat and abdominal discomfort, especially if it progresses to tertiary syphilis.
- Appendicitis: Although the primary symptom is usually abdominal pain, appendicitis can sometimes present with nausea, fever, and less commonly, sore throat if there's an associated infection.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma can cause systemic symptoms like fever, nausea, and abdominal discomfort due to lymph node enlargement, which might also involve the throat.
- Tuberculosis (TB): While more commonly associated with pulmonary symptoms, TB can cause systemic symptoms including fever, abdominal discomfort, and sore throat, especially if it's extrapulmonary TB affecting the lymph nodes or gastrointestinal tract.
- Toxoplasmosis: In immunocompromised individuals, toxoplasmosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, sore throat, and abdominal discomfort due to lymphadenopathy or gastrointestinal involvement.