Differential Diagnosis for Cough with Pleuritic Chest Pain Radiating
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Pneumonia: This is a common condition that can cause cough and pleuritic chest pain due to inflammation of the lung tissue, which can irritate the pleura, leading to sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although less common than pneumonia, PE is a significant consideration, especially if the patient has risk factors such as recent travel, surgery, or family history of clotting disorders. The pleuritic pain is typically sharp and stabbing.
- Acute Bronchitis: This condition can cause a cough and, if the inflammation extends to the pleura, pleuritic chest pain. It's often viral but can be bacterial.
- Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura itself can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing. It can be due to various causes, including viral infections, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pulmonary Embolism (also listed under other likely diagnoses due to its importance and potential for being overlooked): The risk of missing PE is high due to its variable presentation, and it is potentially fatal if not treated promptly.
- Aortic Dissection: Although rare, this condition presents with severe, tearing chest pain that can radiate and is accompanied by other symptoms such as hypertension or aortic regurgitation murmur. It's a medical emergency.
- Pneumothorax: Air in the pleural space can cause lung collapse, leading to sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. It can be spontaneous or traumatic.
- Rare diagnoses
- Lung Cancer: Metastatic disease to the pleura or primary lung tumors can cause pleuritic chest pain, especially if they involve the pleura directly.
- Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disease can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the lungs and pleura, leading to cough and pleuritic chest pain.
- Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A rare condition characterized by an accumulation of eosinophils in the lungs, which can cause cough, fever, and pleuritic chest pain.