What is the cause of a 1-day history of sore throat and odynophagia (painful swallowing)?

Differential Diagnosis for Sore Throat and Odynophagia

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral pharyngitis (e.g., common cold, mononucleosis):
    • This is the most common cause of sore throat and odynophagia,
    • Often accompanied by other symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and fever.

• Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Streptococcal pharyngitis:
    • A common cause of sore throat, especially in children and young adults,
    • Typically presents with a sudden onset of symptoms, including fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Influenza:
    • Can cause sore throat and odynophagia, especially during peak flu season,
    • Often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, cough, and body aches.
  • Allergic reactions (e.g., postnasal drip, seasonal allergies):
    • Can cause sore throat and odynophagia due to chronic irritation and inflammation,
    • Often accompanied by other symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

• Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Epiglottitis:
    • A life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention,
    • Presents with severe sore throat, odynophagia, and difficulty swallowing, often with a muffled voice.
  • Peritonsillar abscess:
    • A serious complication of tonsillitis that can cause severe sore throat and odynophagia,
    • Often presents with fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a deviated uvula.
  • Lemierre's syndrome:
    • A rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by a bacterial infection,
    • Presents with sore throat, odynophagia, and fever, often with a history of recent pharyngitis.
  • HIV infection (acute HIV syndrome):
    • Can cause sore throat and odynophagia, especially during the initial stages of infection,
    • Often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy.

• Rare Diagnoses

  • Infectious mononucleosis (caused by EBV or other viruses):
    • A viral infection that can cause sore throat and odynophagia,
    • Often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and lymphadenopathy.
  • Diphtheria:
    • A rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection,
    • Presents with sore throat, odynophagia, and a characteristic membrane covering the tonsils and throat.
  • Gonococcal pharyngitis:
    • A rare cause of sore throat and odynophagia, especially in individuals with a history of sexually transmitted infections,
    • Often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph nodes.
  • Tuberculous pharyngitis:
    • A rare cause of sore throat and odynophagia, especially in individuals with a history of tuberculosis or immunocompromised states,
    • Often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and cough.