Differential Diagnosis for Asthma Exacerbation

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Asthma exacerbation itself: This is the most likely diagnosis, as the patient is presenting with symptoms of worsening asthma, such as increased wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and decreased lung function.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation: Patients with COPD can present with similar symptoms to asthma exacerbation, and it's essential to consider this diagnosis, especially in older adults or those with a history of smoking.
• Pneumonia: A respiratory infection can trigger an asthma exacerbation, and pneumonia can present with similar symptoms, such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
• Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis can cause symptoms similar to asthma exacerbation, including cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
• Allergic reaction: An allergic reaction can trigger an asthma exacerbation, and it's essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of allergies.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Pneumothorax: A pneumothorax can cause sudden onset of shortness of breath and chest pain, and it's essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of lung disease.
• Pulmonary embolism: A pulmonary embolism can cause sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough, and it's essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of deep vein thrombosis or is at risk for blood clots.
• Cardiac disease: Cardiac conditions, such as heart failure or myocardial infarction, can cause symptoms similar to asthma exacerbation, including shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause symptoms similar to asthma exacerbation, including shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough.

Rare Diagnoses

• Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is a rare genetic disorder that can cause chronic respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Bronchiolitis: Bronchiolitis is a rare condition that causes inflammation of the small airways, and it can present with symptoms similar to asthma exacerbation.
• Eosinophilic pneumonia: Eosinophilic pneumonia is a rare condition that causes inflammation of the lungs, and it can present with symptoms similar to asthma exacerbation.
• Churg-Strauss syndrome: Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause asthma-like symptoms, as well as other systemic symptoms.