Differential Diagnosis for a 27-year-old Female with Respiratory Symptoms
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Acute Bronchitis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the patient's symptoms of a productive cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort with coughing, and fever. The presence of thick green postnasal drainage also supports this diagnosis, as it suggests a bacterial infection.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Pneumonia: The patient's worsening symptoms, fever, chills, and shortness of breath could indicate pneumonia, especially if the infection has spread to the lungs.
- Sinusitis: The increasing sinus pressure and bilateral ear fullness suggest sinusitis, which could be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
- Influenza: The patient's fever, chills, and worsening symptoms could be indicative of influenza, especially during flu season.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less likely, pulmonary embolism could present with shortness of breath and chest discomfort, and is a potentially life-threatening condition that should not be missed.
- Epiglottitis: This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that could present with severe respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath and chest discomfort.
- Tuberculosis: Although less common, tuberculosis could present with chronic cough, fever, and shortness of breath, and is a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its public health implications.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Bronchiectasis: A rare condition characterized by chronic bronchial dilation, which could present with a productive cough and shortness of breath.
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems, which could present with chronic respiratory symptoms, including a productive cough and shortness of breath.
- Sarcoidosis: A rare autoimmune disorder that could present with respiratory symptoms, including a productive cough and shortness of breath.