Dry Cough Differential Diagnosis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Asthma: A common condition characterized by chronic inflammation and hyperreactivity of the airways, often presenting with a dry cough, especially at night or with exertion.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux can irritate the throat and cause a dry cough, particularly after eating or at night.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs): Viral infections such as the common cold or flu can cause a dry cough, often accompanied by other symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.
- Allergic Rhinitis: An allergic reaction to airborne particles like pollen or dust can lead to a dry cough, along with symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.
- Chronic Bronchitis: A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by a persistent dry cough, often with a history of smoking.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: Although typically presenting with a productive cough, pneumonia can sometimes cause a dry cough, especially in its early stages or in certain types like pneumocystis pneumonia.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause a sudden onset of dry cough, often accompanied by chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Lung Cancer: A persistent dry cough can be a symptom of lung cancer, particularly if it's accompanied by weight loss, chest pain, or hemoptysis.
- Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that can cause a chronic dry cough, often with systemic symptoms like fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition characterized by the growth of granulomas in various organs, including the lungs, which can cause a dry cough.
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A group of conditions that affect the lung tissue, often causing a dry cough and shortness of breath.
- Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A rare condition characterized by an accumulation of eosinophils in the lungs, which can cause a dry cough and respiratory symptoms.
- Aspiration Pneumonia: A condition that occurs when food, liquids, or other materials are inhaled into the lungs, which can cause a dry cough and other respiratory symptoms.