Differential Diagnosis for Patient with Sore Throat, Congestion, Body Aches, and Asthma

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Viral upper respiratory infection (URI): The patient's symptoms of sore throat, congestion, and body aches are classic for a viral URI, which is a common and self-limiting illness. The lack of response to albuterol suggests that the symptoms are not primarily due to asthma exacerbation.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Acute sinusitis: The patient's congestion and sore throat could be indicative of acute sinusitis, which is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
  • Acute bronchitis: Although the patient has asthma, the body aches and sore throat could also suggest acute bronchitis, which is often caused by a viral infection.
  • Influenza: The patient's symptoms of sore throat, congestion, and body aches could be indicative of influenza, especially during flu season.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Epiglottitis: Although rare, epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that can cause sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory distress. It is essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has a severe sore throat or difficulty breathing.
  • Pneumonia: The patient's symptoms of congestion and body aches could be indicative of pneumonia, which can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It is crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has a high fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
  • Angioedema: Although the patient has asthma, it is essential to consider angioedema, which can cause swelling of the airways and lead to respiratory distress.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Lemierre's syndrome: This is a rare condition that can cause sore throat, fever, and respiratory symptoms, often due to a bacterial infection.
  • Mononucleosis: Although rare, mononucleosis can cause sore throat, fever, and body aches, often due to a viral infection.
  • Tuberculosis: Although rare, tuberculosis can cause chronic cough, fever, and body aches, and it is essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of exposure or travel to endemic areas.