Differential Diagnosis for 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 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 cough is productive and the patient has a fever.
- Sinusitis: The increasing sinus pressure and bilateral ear fullness suggest sinusitis, which could be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
- Influenza: The patient's symptoms of fever, chills, and worsening cough could be consistent with 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 sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.
- Pneumothorax: A spontaneous pneumothorax could present with sudden onset of chest discomfort and shortness of breath, and is a medical emergency.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Tuberculosis: Although unlikely in an otherwise healthy 27-year-old, tuberculosis could present with chronic cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
- Cystic Fibrosis: This is a rare genetic disorder that could present with recurrent respiratory infections, productive cough, and shortness of breath.
- Bronchiectasis: This is a rare condition characterized by chronic bronchial dilation, which could present with productive cough, shortness of breath, and recurrent respiratory infections.