Differential Diagnosis for Sore Throat, Swollen Throat, Headache, and Dry Cough
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of sore throat and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as headache and dry cough. The presence of a tickle in the throat that provokes coughing is consistent with viral pharyngitis, which can be caused by a variety of viruses including rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, and others.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute Sinusitis: This condition can cause headache, sore throat, and cough. The cough may be dry or productive, depending on the stage of the sinusitis. The swollen throat could be secondary to postnasal drip.
- Influenza: Although more commonly associated with high fever and body aches, influenza can present with sore throat, headache, and dry cough, especially in the early stages.
- Allergic Rhinitis: Postnasal drip from allergic rhinitis can cause a sore throat and a dry cough, which may be provoked by a tickle in the throat.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Strep Throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis): Although less common than viral pharyngitis, strep throat is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever. It typically presents with a severe sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes a headache.
- Epiglottitis: This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that causes severe swelling of the epiglottis. Symptoms can include a severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath. It is more common in children but can occur in adults, especially those with compromised immune systems.
- Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare but serious condition that starts with a sore throat and can progress to include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and eventually septicemia. It is caused by the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis (TB): Although rare in many parts of the world, TB can cause chronic cough, sore throat, and systemic symptoms like headache and fever. It's more likely to be considered in individuals with risk factors such as recent travel to or from areas with high TB prevalence, immunocompromised states, or exposure to someone with TB.
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) can cause a sore throat and cough. It's often related to overuse of the voice or an upper respiratory infection.
- Mononucleosis (Mono): Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, mono can present with sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue. It's more common in adolescents and young adults.