Differential Diagnosis for Fever in a 16-Month-Old
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): This is the most common cause of fever in children of this age group, often presenting with symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and irritability.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Otitis media: A common infection in young children, often presenting with fever, ear pulling, and irritability.
- Gastroenteritis: Infections of the gastrointestinal tract can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea in children.
- Pneumonia: A lower respiratory tract infection that can cause fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): Although less common in this age group, UTIs can cause fever, irritability, and sometimes abdominal pain or dysuria.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningitis: A potentially life-threatening infection of the meninges that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms can include fever, irritability, lethargy, and signs of increased intracranial pressure.
- Sepsis: A systemic infection that can cause fever, lethargy, and signs of organ dysfunction. Early recognition and treatment are crucial.
- Bacteremia: The presence of bacteria in the blood can lead to severe infections such as osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, or meningitis.
- Kawasaki disease: An acute febrile illness of childhood that can lead to coronary artery aneurysms if not treated promptly.
Rare Diagnoses
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause fever, joint pain, and swelling.
- Neuroblastoma: A rare childhood cancer that can cause fever, weight loss, and abdominal mass.
- Lymphoma: Although rare in this age group, lymphoma can cause fever, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy.
- Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that can cause fever, cough, and weight loss, particularly in children exposed to TB or with compromised immune systems.