Differential Diagnosis for Cough, Phlegm, Nausea, Chills, Fever, and Vomiting
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Bronchitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by a viral infection, leading to symptoms such as cough, production of phlegm, and sometimes accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, presenting with cough, phlegm, fever, chills, and potentially nausea and vomiting, especially if the infection is severe.
- Influenza: A viral infection that affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms like cough, fever, chills, and body aches, and can also lead to nausea and vomiting.
- Acute Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses, often due to a viral or bacterial infection, which can cause cough, phlegm production, fever, and nausea, especially if there is significant postnasal drip.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs) can present with sudden onset of cough, possibly with phlegm, and systemic symptoms like fever and chills, along with nausea and vomiting. It's critical to consider this diagnosis due to its high mortality rate if untreated.
- Sepsis: A life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Sepsis can initially present with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and can quickly progress to a severe and deadly condition if not promptly recognized and treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. It can cause chronic cough, phlegm production, fever, chills, and weight loss, among other symptoms. Although less common in some regions, TB is a significant public health concern globally.
- Lung Abscess: A rare condition where a cavity filled with pus forms in the lungs, often as a complication of pneumonia. Symptoms can include cough, phlegm production (which may be foul-smelling), fever, chills, and systemic symptoms like nausea and vomiting.