Differential Diagnosis for a 55-year-old Female with Cough, Nausea, and Fever
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Bronchitis: This is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by a viral infection. The symptoms of cough, nausea, and fever align with this diagnosis, making it the most likely.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: A bacterial or viral infection of the lungs that can cause cough, fever, and nausea. The absence of abdominal pain does not rule out pneumonia, as it primarily affects the respiratory system.
- Influenza: A viral infection that can cause fever, cough, and nausea, among other symptoms. Given the seasonal nature of influenza, this diagnosis is plausible depending on the time of year and exposure history.
- Acute Sinusitis: An infection or inflammation of the sinuses that can cause cough, fever, and nausea due to postnasal drip and sinus pressure.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs) can present with cough and fever, among other symptoms. 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. Early signs can be non-specific, including fever and nausea.
- Tuberculosis (TB): An infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. TB can present with chronic cough, fever, and systemic symptoms like nausea, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those with exposure risk.
Rare Diagnoses
- Q Fever: A rare bacterial infection caused by Coxiella burnetii that can lead to pneumonia and present with fever, cough, and nausea.
- Histoplasmosis: A lung infection caused by inhaling the spores of a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. It can cause symptoms similar to pneumonia, including cough and fever, and is more common in immunocompromised individuals or those with specific exposure histories.
- Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma can cause systemic symptoms like fever and nausea, along with cough if there is lung involvement. This would be a rare but important consideration in the differential diagnosis.