Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Pneumonia: The patient's symptoms of cough, body aches, fever, and fatigue, along with the production of coffee ground sputum, are highly suggestive of pneumonia. The duration and severity of the symptoms also support this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Bronchitis: The productive cough and coffee ground sputum could also indicate bronchitis, especially if the patient has a history of smoking or exposure to irritants.
- Pulmonary Embolism (less likely due to lack of radiating pain or shortness of breath): Although the patient does not report radiating pain or shortness of breath, pulmonary embolism cannot be entirely ruled out without further testing.
- Influenza: The initial fever, body aches, and fatigue could be indicative of influenza, especially during flu season.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Tuberculosis (TB): Although less likely, TB can present with similar symptoms, including cough, fever, and fatigue. Missing this diagnosis could have severe consequences.
- Lung Cancer: A persistent cough and coffee ground sputum could be indicative of lung cancer, especially in patients with a history of smoking.
- Sarcoidosis: This condition can cause pulmonary symptoms, including cough and fatigue, and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Mitral Stenosis: This condition can cause cough and fatigue, especially if there is associated pulmonary hypertension.
- Goodpasture's Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause pulmonary symptoms, including cough and hemoptysis (coffee ground sputum).
- Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can cause pulmonary symptoms, including cough and fatigue, especially in immunocompromised patients.