Differential Diagnosis for a 17-Year-Old Female with 2 Weeks of Cold Symptoms
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI): This is the most common cause of cold symptoms such as cough, congestion, sinus headache, and ear pain, especially given the duration of 2 weeks which is typical for a viral infection to resolve on its own.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute Sinusitis: Given the symptoms of sinus headache, congestion, and the duration, acute sinusitis is a plausible diagnosis, especially if the symptoms have worsened or not improved over time.
- Acute Otitis Media: Ear pain could be indicative of an ear infection, which is common in the context of upper respiratory infections.
- Allergic Rhinitis: If the symptoms are persistent and there's a history of allergies, allergic rhinitis could be a contributing factor to the congestion and sinus headache.
- Influenza: Although less likely given the duration, influenza can present with similar symptoms and should be considered, especially during flu season.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Although the primary symptoms don't point directly to strep throat, it's a critical diagnosis not to miss due to the potential for complications like rheumatic fever.
- Pneumonia: If there are symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, pneumonia needs to be considered and ruled out.
- Meningitis: Although rare and typically presenting with more severe symptoms like high fever, stiff neck, and altered mental status, meningitis is a life-threatening condition that must not be overlooked.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis (TB): Uncommon in this demographic but could present with chronic cough and other systemic symptoms.
- Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by a bacterial infection of the throat, which can lead to more severe complications.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms including sinusitis and otitis media, but typically has other systemic manifestations.
- Sarcoidosis: Another rare autoimmune condition that can affect multiple parts of the body, including the lungs and sinuses, but usually has a more chronic presentation.