Differential Diagnosis
The patient presents with symptoms of a runny nose, dry cough, and hip muscle ache without fever. Here's a differential diagnosis based on the provided symptoms:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): This is the most likely diagnosis given the symptoms of runny nose and dry cough, which are common in URTIs. The hip muscle ache could be due to a viral myalgia or a separate musculoskeletal issue.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Allergic rhinitis: The runny nose could be indicative of allergic rhinitis, especially if the patient has a history of allergies. The dry cough could be a symptom of postnasal drip.
- Sinusitis: Although the patient does not have fever, sinusitis could still be a possibility, especially if the runny nose is purulent or if the patient has facial pain.
- Influenza (without fever): Some patients with influenza may not present with fever, especially if they are taking antipyretics or if their immune system is compromised.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pulmonary embolism: Although the patient's symptoms do not strongly suggest pulmonary embolism, it is essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has risk factors such as recent travel, immobility, or family history.
- COVID-19: Given the current pandemic, COVID-19 should be considered, even if the patient does not have fever. The dry cough and runny nose could be symptoms of COVID-19.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: This is a rare autoimmune disease that can cause respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and can also cause musculoskeletal symptoms such as muscle aches.
- Relapsing polychondritis: This is a rare autoimmune disease that can cause respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and can also cause musculoskeletal symptoms such as muscle aches.
- Histoplasmosis: This is a rare fungal infection that can cause respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and can also cause musculoskeletal symptoms such as muscle aches.