Differential Diagnosis for Sore Throat, Fever, and Joint Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of sore throat and fever, often accompanied by joint pain due to the body's inflammatory response to the virus. Viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, and influenza are common culprits.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, this condition presents with sore throat, fever, and can be associated with joint pain, especially if there's a post-streptococcal complication like rheumatic fever.
- Influenza: In addition to respiratory symptoms, influenza can cause systemic symptoms including fever, sore throat, and joint pain due to the body's immune response.
- Mononucleosis (Mono): Caused by Epstein-Barr virus, mono can present with sore throat, fever, fatigue, and sometimes joint pain, particularly if there's an associated autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lyme Disease: Early stages of Lyme disease can present with fever, joint pain, and sometimes sore throat, making it crucial to consider, especially in endemic areas or with a history of tick exposure.
- Rheumatic Fever: A complication of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis, rheumatic fever can cause fever, joint pain (migratory polyarthritis), and sometimes a sore throat, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing and treating streptococcal infections promptly.
- Endocarditis: Although less common, endocarditis (infection of the heart valves) can present with fever, joint pain, and sometimes sore throat, particularly if there's an embolic phenomenon or immune complex deposition.
Rare Diagnoses
- Kawasaki Disease: An acute febrile illness of childhood characterized by inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body, which can present with fever, sore throat, and joint pain among other symptoms.
- Brucellosis: A zoonotic infection that can cause fever, joint pain, and sometimes sore throat, particularly in individuals who work with animals or consume unpasteurized dairy products.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can present with a wide range of symptoms including fever, joint pain, and sore throat, especially during a flare.