Differential Diagnosis for 8-year-old Male with Cough and Rhinorrhea
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Allergic rhinitis: The patient's symptoms of cough, rhinorrhea, and severe reaction to pollen, along with a history of seasonal allergies and improvement with cetirizine, strongly suggest allergic rhinitis as the most likely diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Viral upper respiratory infection (URI): The patient's symptoms of cough and rhinorrhea could also be consistent with a viral URI, which is a common condition in children.
- Postnasal drip syndrome: The clear rhinorrhea and cough could be due to postnasal drip, which is often associated with allergic rhinitis or viral URIs.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Epiglottitis: Although rare, epiglottitis is a life-threatening condition that can present with cough and respiratory symptoms, and it is essential to consider it in the differential diagnosis.
- Bacterial sinusitis: While less likely, bacterial sinusitis can cause similar symptoms and may require antibiotic treatment, making it a crucial diagnosis not to miss.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Cystic fibrosis: Although rare, cystic fibrosis can present with chronic cough and rhinorrhea, and it is essential to consider it in the differential diagnosis, especially if the patient's symptoms are persistent or severe.
- Immunodeficiency: Certain immunodeficiencies can increase the risk of recurrent or severe infections, including those presenting with cough and rhinorrhea, making it a rare but important consideration.