Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Acute Bronchitis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the patient's symptoms of congestion, postnasal drip, rhinorrhea, and a productive cough. The minor shortness of breath when coughing up phlegm is also consistent with acute bronchitis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Upper Respiratory Infection (URI): The patient's symptoms of congestion, postnasal drip, and rhinorrhea are also consistent with a URI. However, the presence of a productive cough and minor shortness of breath suggest that the infection may have spread to the lower respiratory tract.
- Sinusitis: The patient's symptoms of congestion, postnasal drip, and rhinorrhea could also be consistent with sinusitis. However, the presence of a productive cough and minor shortness of breath are not typical symptoms of sinusitis.
- Asthma: The patient's symptoms of minor shortness of breath and productive cough could be consistent with asthma, especially if the patient has a history of asthma or allergies. However, the acute onset of symptoms and the presence of postnasal drip and rhinorrhea make asthma a less likely diagnosis.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pneumonia: Although the patient's symptoms are not typical of pneumonia, it is a potentially life-threatening condition that should not be missed. The presence of a productive cough and minor shortness of breath could be consistent with pneumonia, especially if the patient is elderly or has underlying health conditions.
- Pulmonary Embolism: The patient's symptom of minor shortness of breath could be consistent with a pulmonary embolism, especially if the patient has a history of deep vein thrombosis or is at risk for blood clots.
- Rare diagnoses
- Bronchiectasis: This is a rare condition characterized by chronic inflammation and damage to the airways. The patient's symptoms of productive cough and minor shortness of breath could be consistent with bronchiectasis, but it is a less likely diagnosis given the acute onset of symptoms.
- Cystic Fibrosis: This is a rare genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems. The patient's symptoms of productive cough and minor shortness of breath could be consistent with cystic fibrosis, but it is a less likely diagnosis given the patient's age and the acute onset of symptoms.