Differential Diagnosis for 76-year-old Male with Respiratory and Flank Pain Symptoms
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Acute Bronchitis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the patient's symptoms of productive cough, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and postnasal drainage. The cough worsening at night and the absence of shortness of breath or chest pain also support this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Acute Sinusitis: The patient's symptoms of nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and postnasal drainage suggest acute sinusitis, which could be contributing to the cough.
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI): The patient's symptoms of nasal congestion, cough, and chills could be indicative of a URTI, which is a common cause of respiratory symptoms in the elderly.
- Pyelonephritis: The patient's intermittent right flank pain could be indicative of pyelonephritis, especially if the patient has a history of urinary tract infections or underlying urological conditions.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Pneumonia: Although the patient denies shortness of breath or chest pain, pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening condition that must be considered, especially in the elderly.
- Pulmonary Embolism: The patient's cough and chills could be indicative of a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency.
- Sepsis: The patient's symptoms of chills and flank pain could be indicative of sepsis, especially if the patient has a history of underlying medical conditions.
- Kidney Stone: The patient's intermittent right flank pain could be indicative of a kidney stone, which can cause severe pain and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Tuberculosis: Although rare, tuberculosis is a potential cause of chronic cough and flank pain, especially in the elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
- Lung Cancer: The patient's cough and weight loss (if present) could be indicative of lung cancer, although this is a less likely diagnosis given the acute onset of symptoms.
- Empyema: The patient's cough and flank pain could be indicative of an empyema, which is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.