Differential Diagnosis for Pneumonia
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): The patient's symptoms of cough and chest pain are classic presentations of pneumonia, and CAP is the most common cause of pneumonia in outpatient settings.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute Bronchitis: Although bronchitis typically presents with a productive cough, it can sometimes cause chest pain and may be considered in the differential diagnosis.
- Influenza: Influenza can cause pneumonia, but it can also present with cough and chest pain without pneumonia, making it a likely diagnosis to consider.
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE) with Infarction: While less common, PE can cause chest pain and cough, especially if there is infarction of lung tissue.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although mentioned earlier, PE is a critical diagnosis to consider due to its high mortality rate if missed. It can present with sudden onset of chest pain and cough.
- Tuberculosis (TB): TB can cause chronic cough and chest pain, and although less common in some regions, it is a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its public health implications and the need for specific treatment.
- Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP): In immunocompromised patients, PCP is a life-threatening condition that can present with cough and chest pain, making it essential not to miss.
Rare Diagnoses
- Q Fever: A zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, which can lead to pneumonia and present with cough and chest pain, although it is relatively rare.
- Psittacosis: Caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, this infection can lead to pneumonia and is associated with exposure to birds, making it a rare but possible diagnosis.
- Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can cause pneumonia, particularly in individuals who have been exposed to bird or bat droppings, and can present with cough and chest pain.