Differential Diagnosis for Cough
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Acute Bronchitis: This is often the most common cause of cough, typically presenting after a viral upper respiratory infection. It's characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to cough, often productive of mucus.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that can cause cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Cough in asthma can be dry or productive and is often worse at night or with exercise.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterized by airflow limitation. Cough is a common symptom, often productive of large amounts of mucus.
- Allergic Rhinitis: An allergic reaction that occurs in the nasal passages, sinuses, and eyes, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and cough due to postnasal drip.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus), causing symptoms like heartburn and cough.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pneumonia: An infection in one or both lungs, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage in one of the arteries in the lungs, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include sudden onset of cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Lung Cancer: Abnormal cell growth in the lungs that can cause cough, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. Early detection is crucial for treatment.
- Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
- Rare diagnoses
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body. Symptoms include persistent cough, frequent lung infections, and poor growth or weight gain in children.
- Sarcoidosis: A disease in which granulomas (abnormal masses of inflamed tissue) form in certain parts of the body, most commonly the lungs. Symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
- Bronchiectasis: A condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a buildup of excess mucus that can make the lungs more susceptible to infection. Symptoms include chronic cough, large amounts of sputum production, and recurrent infections.