What is the diagnosis for a patient presenting with a sore throat followed by vomiting, elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and White Blood Cell (WBC) count, indicating inflammation and a potential infectious process?

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Differential Diagnosis for Sore Throat Followed by Vomiting with Elevated CRP and WBC

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Pharyngitis (likely viral or bacterial): This is the most likely diagnosis given the symptoms of sore throat followed by vomiting. The elevated CRP and WBC suggest an infectious or inflammatory process, which is consistent with pharyngitis.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can cause sore throat and vomiting, and while it may not directly cause elevated CRP and WBC, it can lead to inflammation and infection.
    • Tonsillitis: Similar to pharyngitis, tonsillitis can cause sore throat and vomiting, and is often associated with elevated inflammatory markers.
    • Influenza: Influenza can cause sore throat, vomiting, and elevated CRP and WBC, especially during peak season.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Epiglottitis: Although rare, epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that can cause sore throat and vomiting, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
    • Retropharyngeal abscess: This is a serious condition that can cause sore throat and vomiting, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
    • Kawasaki disease: This is a rare condition that can cause sore throat, vomiting, and elevated inflammatory markers, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Lemierre's syndrome: This is a rare condition that can cause sore throat and vomiting, and is associated with elevated inflammatory markers and a high risk of complications.
    • Infectious mononucleosis: This is a rare condition that can cause sore throat and vomiting, and is associated with elevated inflammatory markers and a high risk of complications.
    • Diphtheria: This is a rare condition that can cause sore throat and vomiting, and is associated with elevated inflammatory markers and a high risk of complications.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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