Differential Diagnosis for Recurring Autumn Cough and Throat Irritation

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Allergic Rhinitis: This condition is often seasonal, with symptoms worsening in autumn due to increased exposure to allergens like mold and pollen. The dry cough and throat irritation are common symptoms, especially when exposed to dust, which can act as an irritant or allergen.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Asthma: Seasonal asthma can present with cough and throat irritation, especially in response to allergens or irritants like dust. The symptoms recurring in autumn suggest an environmental trigger.
• Inhalation of Irritants: Exposure to dust, as mentioned, can cause throat irritation and a dry cough, especially in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions or sensitivities.
• Postnasal Drip: Often associated with allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, postnasal drip can cause throat irritation and cough, especially if the condition worsens in autumn.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Although less likely to present for the first time with seasonal variation, COPD can cause chronic cough and should be considered, especially in smokers or those with significant exposure to lung irritants.
• Pneumonia or Other Infections: While less common to present seasonally without fever, any respiratory infection could cause cough and throat irritation. It's crucial to rule out infectious causes, especially in immunocompromised patients.
• Lung Cancer: A persistent cough, especially if it changes character or is accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss or hemoptysis, necessitates a thorough investigation, including imaging and potentially biopsy.

Rare Diagnoses

• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: An allergic lung disease caused by a variety of antigens, including dust and molds, which could present with seasonal variation in symptoms if exposure is seasonal.
• Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A rare condition characterized by an accumulation of eosinophils in the lungs, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including drugs and environmental exposures, and might present with cough and respiratory symptoms.
• Sarcoidosis: A condition that can affect multiple parts of the body, including the lungs, and might present with cough and other respiratory symptoms, although it's less likely to have a clear seasonal pattern.