Differential Diagnosis for Cough due to Sensation of Fluid in the Throat

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Postnasal drip: This is the most common cause of a cough due to the sensation of fluid in the throat. It occurs when excess mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat, triggering a cough. Justification: High prevalence, common symptoms matching the description.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid can flow up into the throat, causing a sensation of fluid and leading to coughing. Justification: Common condition, symptoms can include throat irritation and cough.
  • Allergic rhinitis: Similar to postnasal drip, allergies can cause increased mucus production, leading to a sensation of fluid in the throat and cough. Justification: Seasonal variation, associated symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.
  • Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can lead to increased mucus production and postnasal drip, causing cough. Justification: Associated symptoms like facial pain, fever, and nasal congestion.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses:
  • Pneumonia: Although less likely, pneumonia can cause cough and might be perceived as a sensation of fluid in the throat due to the production of sputum. Justification: Potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly, especially in vulnerable populations.
  • Pulmonary embolism: A blockage in one of the arteries in the lungs can cause sudden onset of cough among other symptoms. Justification: Life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Lung cancer: Can cause cough due to various mechanisms, including obstruction leading to postnasal drip-like symptoms. Justification: Serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed early.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Vocal cord dysfunction: Abnormal movement of the vocal cords can cause a sensation of fluid in the throat and trigger cough. Justification: Less common, often associated with other respiratory symptoms like wheezing.
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis: A chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, builds up in the esophagus in response to an allergen or irritant, potentially causing cough. Justification: Rare, often presents with difficulty swallowing and food impaction.
  • Zenker's diverticulum: A condition where a pouch forms in the pharynx, potentially collecting food and liquid, leading to a sensation of something being stuck and cough. Justification: Uncommon, usually presents with dysphagia and regurgitation of food.