Differential Diagnosis for Recurrent Sinus Infections and New Ear Pain
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chronic sinusitis: Given the patient's history of recurrent sinus infections, despite recent antibiotic treatments, chronic sinusitis is a likely diagnosis. The new ear pain could be related to Eustachian tube dysfunction, which is commonly seen in chronic sinusitis.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute otitis media: The new right ear pain could be indicative of an ear infection, which is a common complication of sinusitis.
- Allergic rhinitis: Underlying allergies could be contributing to the patient's recurrent sinus infections and new ear pain.
- Nasal polyps: Polyps in the nasal passages could be obstructing sinus drainage, leading to recurrent infections.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Orbital cellulitis: Although less likely, orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that can arise from sinusitis and requires prompt treatment.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis: A rare but potentially life-threatening complication of sinusitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis requires immediate medical attention.
- Malignancy (e.g., nasopharyngeal carcinoma): Although rare, malignancy should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of recurrent infections or other concerning symptoms.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Wegener's granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause recurrent sinusitis and other systemic symptoms.
- Churg-Strauss syndrome (Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): Another rare autoimmune disorder that can cause sinusitis, asthma, and other systemic symptoms.
- Fungal sinusitis: A rare but potentially serious infection that can occur in immunocompromised individuals.