Differential Diagnosis for Respiratory Symptoms
The symptoms of pneumonia, cold, cough, running nose, and sore throat can be caused by various conditions. Here's a differential diagnosis organized into categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI): This is the most common cause of symptoms like cough, running nose, and sore throat. It's usually self-limiting and caused by viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, or adenovirus.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial Pharyngitis: Caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, this condition presents with sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Influenza: Characterized by sudden onset of high fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, influenza is a common cause of respiratory symptoms during the flu season.
- Pneumonia: Can be caused by bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses (e.g., influenza), or fungi, and presents with symptoms like cough, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Epiglottitis: A life-threatening condition caused by bacterial infection, characterized by severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): A highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause severe coughing fits, especially in infants and young children.
- Tuberculosis (TB): A chronic bacterial infection that can cause cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those with a history of exposure.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare condition caused by bacterial infection, characterized by sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, which can progress to sepsis and thrombophlebitis.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic granulomatous disease that can cause respiratory symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain, especially in young adults.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause respiratory symptoms like cough, sinusitis, and chest pain, often accompanied by renal and systemic involvement.
Each of these diagnoses has distinct clinical features, and a thorough history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests (e.g., chest X-ray, blood cultures, PCR) are necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis.