Differential Diagnosis for 3 Week Sore Throat, Mild Headache, Mild Runny Nose
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of sore throat and is often accompanied by mild headache and runny nose. The duration of 3 weeks is consistent with a prolonged viral infection.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Allergic rhinitis: Prolonged exposure to allergens can cause chronic sore throat, headache, and runny nose.
- Sinusitis: A bacterial or viral infection of the sinuses can cause sore throat, headache, and runny nose, especially if the infection is chronic.
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils can cause sore throat and may be accompanied by headache and runny nose.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Infectious mononucleosis (mono): Although less common, mono can cause prolonged sore throat, headache, and runny nose, and is important to diagnose due to potential complications.
- Streptococcal pharyngitis: Although the duration is longer than typical, it's crucial to rule out strep throat due to the risk of rheumatic fever and other complications.
- Lemierre's syndrome: A rare but life-threatening condition that can cause sore throat, headache, and neck pain, often following a viral pharyngitis.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis: Although rare in many areas, TB can cause chronic sore throat, headache, and other systemic symptoms.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause a variety of symptoms, including sore throat, headache, and sinusitis.
- HIV infection: Acute HIV infection can cause a variety of symptoms, including sore throat, headache, and runny nose, and is important to consider in patients with risk factors.