Differential Diagnosis for a 13y.o. male with sore throat and runny nose x 1 day
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of sore throat and runny nose in children and adolescents, often due to viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, or adenovirus. The acute onset and combination of symptoms are typical for a viral upper respiratory infection.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Allergic rhinitis: This condition can cause runny nose and may be accompanied by sore throat due to postnasal drip. The symptoms can be seasonal or perennial, depending on the allergen.
- Sinusitis: Although less common in the initial presentation, sinusitis can develop as a complication of viral upper respiratory infections, leading to symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat, along with facial pain and headache.
- Infectious mononucleosis (mono): Caused by Epstein-Barr virus, mono can present with sore throat, fever, and fatigue, although it typically has a more gradual onset and is accompanied by lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)
- Streptococcal pharyngitis: Although less common than viral pharyngitis, streptococcal (strep) throat is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications like rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.
- Epiglottitis: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition, especially in children, characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis that can lead to airway obstruction. Symptoms can include severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.
- Lemierre's syndrome: A rare condition that starts with pharyngitis and can progress to septicemia and thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, typically caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum.
- Rare diagnoses
- Influenza: While not rare in the general population during flu season, influenza can present with sore throat and runny nose among other symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches.
- Diphtheria: A rare bacterial infection in areas with high vaccination coverage, diphtheria can cause a severe sore throat and a characteristic membrane covering the tonsils and throat.
- Peritonsillar abscess: A complication of tonsillitis, this condition involves an abscess formation beside the tonsils, leading to severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever.