Differential Diagnosis for a 10-Year-Old Female with a 2-3 Day History of Sore Throat
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of sore throat in children, often accompanied by other symptoms like cough, runny nose, and fever. The short duration and common presentation make it the leading diagnosis.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Streptococcal pharyngitis (Strep throat): A bacterial infection that can cause sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It's a common condition in children and can be diagnosed with a throat swab.
- Infectious mononucleosis: Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, it can lead to sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, especially in adolescents.
- Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils, which can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, leading to sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Epiglottitis: A rare but life-threatening condition where the epiglottis becomes inflamed, potentially causing airway obstruction. It's more common in children and requires immediate medical attention.
- Peritonsillar abscess: A collection of pus behind the tonsils that can cause severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. If not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications.
- Lemierre's syndrome: A rare condition characterized by a bacterial infection of the tonsils, which can spread to the jugular vein and cause sepsis.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat and a distinctive membrane to form in the throat, although it's rare in areas with high vaccination rates.
- Gonococcal pharyngitis: A sexually transmitted infection that can cause sore throat, although it's uncommon in pre-teen children.
- Tuberculous pharyngitis: A rare form of tuberculosis that affects the throat, more common in areas with high TB prevalence.