Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 15, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Fever with Neck Pain and Cough for 2 Weeks

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Pharyngitis: This is likely due to the combination of fever, neck pain (possibly referring to throat pain), and cough, which are common symptoms of a throat infection. Pharyngitis can be caused by viral or bacterial pathogens, with viral causes being more common.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Tuberculosis (TB): Although less common in some regions, TB can present with chronic cough, fever, and neck pain if there is lymphadenopathy (enlargement of the lymph nodes) in the neck. The duration of symptoms (2 weeks) could be an early presentation.
  • Influenza or other viral respiratory infections: These can cause fever, cough, and body aches, which might be perceived as neck pain. The symptoms can last for more than a week, especially in the case of influenza.
  • Sinusitis: If the cough is productive and the neck pain is related to sinus pressure or referred pain, sinusitis could be a consideration, especially if there are other symptoms like facial pain or nasal congestion.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Meningitis: Although the classic symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, and neck stiffness, any patient presenting with fever and neck pain warrants consideration of this diagnosis due to its high morbidity and mortality if not promptly treated.
  • Lymphoma: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can cause pain and, if accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever and cough (potentially due to compression or involvement of the airways), lymphoma should be considered.
  • Spinal Epidural Abscess: This is a medical emergency that can present with fever, neck pain (or back pain), and potentially neurological deficits. The presence of cough might be incidental, but the combination of fever and neck pain necessitates its consideration.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disease can cause lymphadenopathy, fever, and cough among other symptoms. It's less common but should be considered in the differential, especially if other diagnoses have been ruled out.
  • Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can cause fever, cough, and lymphadenopathy, including in the neck. It's more common in certain geographic areas or in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Castleman Disease: A rare disorder that involves an overgrowth of cells in the body's lymph nodes, which can cause fever, cough, and lymphadenopathy, among other symptoms.

Related Questions

Is it safe to use Miralax (polyethylene glycol) with Linzess (linaclotide)?
Are there other types of omentectomy (surgical removal of the omentum) besides supracolic (above the colon) omentectomy?
What are the criteria for upfront surgery in HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2)-enriched stage III breast cancer?
What are the warning signs of an inguinal hernia?
How much does torsemide (a loop diuretic) lower systolic blood pressure?
What's the treatment approach for GPA (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis) vs EGPA (Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis) with a 5-point diagnostic difference?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question