Differential Diagnosis for Throat Swelling and Fever
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of throat swelling and fever, often due to viral or bacterial infections, with streptococcal pharyngitis being a prominent bacterial cause. The duration of 10 days could suggest a bacterial etiology, but viral pharyngitis can also last this long.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, which can be caused by viral or bacterial pathogens, leading to throat swelling and fever.
- Peritonsillar Abscess: A complication of tonsillitis where an abscess forms beside the tonsils, causing severe throat pain, swelling, and fever.
- Mononucleosis (Infectious Mononucleosis): Caused by Epstein-Barr virus, it can lead to fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, which might be perceived as throat swelling.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Epiglottitis: A potentially life-threatening condition that causes inflammation of the epiglottis, which can lead to airway obstruction. It presents with severe throat pain, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
- Retropharyngeal Abscess: An abscess in the tissues in the back of the throat, which can cause throat swelling, fever, and potentially life-threatening airway obstruction.
- Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare but serious condition following a bacterial pharyngitis, characterized by fever, throat pain, and swollen lymph nodes, which can progress to sepsis and thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein.
Rare Diagnoses
- Diphtheria: A bacterial infection affecting the membranes of the throat and nose, though rare in areas with widespread vaccination, it can cause throat swelling and fever.
- Angioedema: A condition characterized by the rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues, which can involve the throat and cause significant airway compromise.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause throat swelling and fever, though it is less commonly associated with these symptoms compared to other diagnoses.