Differential Diagnosis for Throat Complaint in ED
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of throat complaints, often presenting with sore throat, fever, and lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis is usually clinical, and management is supportive.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, it presents similarly to viral pharyngitis but requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications like rheumatic fever.
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, which can be viral or bacterial in origin, and may require antibiotic treatment if bacterial.
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, often due to viral infections, overuse of the voice, or irritants, presenting with hoarseness and sore throat.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Epiglottitis: A life-threatening condition that requires immediate recognition and treatment. It presents with severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath, often in adults.
- Retropharyngeal Abscess: A serious infection in the space behind the pharynx, which can lead to airway obstruction if not promptly treated.
- Peritonsillar Abscess: A collection of pus behind the tonsils, which can cause severe throat pain, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
- Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a bacterial infection of the tonsils followed by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein.
Rare Diagnoses
- Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that can cause a severe sore throat and is characterized by a greyish membrane covering the tonsils and throat.
- Tuberculous Laryngitis: A rare form of tuberculosis that affects the larynx, presenting with hoarseness, sore throat, and systemic symptoms like weight loss and fever.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, including the throat, and may present with sore throat, nosebleeds, and systemic symptoms.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause throat pain and tenderness, often accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever and malaise.