Differential Diagnosis for Cough
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Bronchitis: This is often the most common cause of cough, typically resulting from a viral upper respiratory infection. It's characterized by a cough that may produce mucus, often accompanied by other symptoms like sore throat and runny nose.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Asthma: A chronic condition causing inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It can be triggered by various factors including allergens, respiratory infections, and irritants.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterized by long-term breathing problems and cough, often with a history of smoking.
- Allergic Rhinitis: An allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, leading to symptoms including cough, sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and nasal congestion.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus), causing cough, hoarseness, and wheezing in some cases.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: An infection in one or both lungs, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. It's crucial to diagnose and treat promptly to prevent complications.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage in one of the arteries in the lungs, which can cause sudden and severe cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It's a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
- Lung Cancer: Abnormal cell growth in the lungs, which can cause cough, weight loss, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
- Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, and fatigue.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body. It leads to persistent cough, frequent lung infections, and difficulty breathing.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition in which inflammatory cells (granulomas) form in various organs, including the lungs, causing cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
- Bronchiectasis: A condition where parts of the airways are permanently enlarged, leading to chronic cough, mucus production, and frequent infections.
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A broad category of lung diseases that cause scarring or inflammation in the lung tissue, leading to cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.