Differential Diagnosis for 18-year-old Female with Sore Throat and Respiratory Symptoms
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Viral pharyngitis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the patient's symptoms of sore throat, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and cough, which are typical of a viral upper respiratory infection. The resolution of fever and the presence of itchy/irritating throat also support this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Allergic rhinitis: The patient's symptoms of nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and itchy/irritating throat could be indicative of allergic rhinitis, especially given her use of Claritin, an antihistamine commonly used to treat allergies.
- Acute sinusitis: The patient's symptoms of nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and cough could also be indicative of acute sinusitis, which is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
- Influenza: Although the patient's fever has resolved, influenza could still be a possible diagnosis, especially if she has been exposed to someone with the flu or if it is during flu season.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Epiglottitis: This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention. Although the patient's symptoms do not strongly suggest epiglottitis, it is essential to consider this diagnosis in anyone presenting with sore throat and respiratory symptoms.
- Streptococcal pharyngitis: While the patient's symptoms and resolution of fever make this less likely, it is crucial to consider streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) as it requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever.
- Mononucleosis: This viral infection can cause sore throat, fever, and fatigue, and although it is less common, it is essential to consider it in the differential diagnosis, especially in young adults.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Lemierre's syndrome: This is a rare condition characterized by a bacterial infection of the throat, which can lead to complications such as sepsis and thrombophlebitis.
- Diphtheria: Although rare in developed countries, diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can cause sore throat, cough, and respiratory symptoms, and it is essential to consider it in the differential diagnosis, especially if the patient has not been vaccinated.