Differential Diagnosis for Throat Swelling and Difficulty Swallowing
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute tonsillitis or pharyngitis: This is often the most common cause of throat swelling and difficulty swallowing, typically resulting from a viral or bacterial infection.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Allergic reactions: Allergies can cause swelling in the throat, leading to difficulty swallowing. Common allergens include foods, medications, or environmental factors.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux can irritate the throat, causing swelling and discomfort while swallowing.
- Thyroid disorders: Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) can press on the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Epiglottitis: A potentially life-threatening condition where the epiglottis becomes inflamed, obstructing the airway and causing severe difficulty swallowing.
- Angioedema: A rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues, which can lead to airway obstruction if not promptly treated.
- Esophageal foreign body: An object lodged in the esophagus can cause severe pain and difficulty swallowing, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Esophageal cancer: Although rare, esophageal cancer can cause progressive difficulty swallowing due to a tumor obstructing the esophagus.
- Scleroderma: A chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to esophageal fibrosis and strictures, causing difficulty swallowing.
- Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that can cause a membrane to form in the throat, leading to difficulty swallowing and breathing, although it is rare in areas with widespread vaccination.