Differential Diagnosis for Sore Throat, Headache, Fatigue, and Nonproductive Cough
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of sore throat and is often accompanied by headache, fatigue, and nonproductive cough. The symptoms are consistent with a viral upper respiratory infection.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Influenza: Influenza can present with sore throat, headache, fatigue, and cough, especially during flu season. The nonproductive cough and systemic symptoms such as headache and fatigue are typical.
- Acute Sinusitis: Sinusitis can cause headache, fatigue, and cough, and may also be associated with sore throat due to postnasal drip.
- Allergic Rhinitis: Allergies can cause sore throat, headache, and fatigue, and may also lead to a nonproductive cough due to postnasal drip.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Although less common than viral pharyngitis, streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Pertussis can present with a nonproductive cough and may be accompanied by sore throat, headache, and fatigue. It is particularly important to consider in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals.
- Lymphoma or Other Malignancies: Although rare, persistent or severe symptoms could be indicative of a more serious underlying condition such as lymphoma, especially if accompanied by significant weight loss, night sweats, or lymphadenopathy.
- Tuberculosis (TB): TB can cause a chronic cough, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. It is crucial to consider TB in individuals with risk factors such as immunocompromised status or recent travel to endemic areas.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by sore throat, followed by neck pain and fever, caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum. It can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause a variety of symptoms including cough, sore throat, and fatigue, particularly if there is involvement of the lungs or lymph nodes.
- Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can cause respiratory symptoms including cough and sore throat, especially in individuals who have been exposed to bird or bat droppings.