Differential Diagnosis for Throat Hoarseness and Purulent Sputum
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chronic Bronchitis: This condition is characterized by a persistent cough and mucus production, often with purulent sputum, and can cause throat hoarseness due to chronic irritation of the throat. The 6-month duration of symptoms supports a chronic condition.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, GERD): Stomach acid can flow up into the throat, causing irritation and hoarseness. Purulent sputum might not be directly related but could be a secondary infection or a different symptom altogether.
- Chronic Sinusitis: Postnasal drip from chronic sinusitis can irritate the throat, leading to hoarseness. The presence of purulent sputum could indicate a bacterial infection.
- Tuberculosis (TB): Although less common in some regions, TB can cause chronic cough, purulent sputum, and throat hoarseness, especially if it involves the larynx.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Laryngeal Cancer: A critical diagnosis to consider, as it can present with hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks. While less likely, missing this diagnosis could be fatal.
- Lung Cancer: Can cause symptoms similar to chronic bronchitis, including cough and purulent sputum, and may also lead to hoarseness if the tumor affects the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Pneumonia (especially if recurrent): While typically an acute condition, recurrent pneumonia could present with chronic symptoms if not fully resolved or if there's an underlying condition predisposing to infections.
Rare Diagnoses
- Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the cartilages of the body, including those in the larynx and trachea, leading to hoarseness and potentially purulent sputum if there's secondary infection.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, GPA): A rare autoimmune disorder that can affect various parts of the body, including the respiratory tract, and might present with a combination of hoarseness and purulent sputum among other symptoms.
- Sarcoidosis: Can affect the lungs and, less commonly, the larynx, potentially causing hoarseness and cough with purulent sputum, although this would be an uncommon presentation.