Differential Diagnosis for 17 yo F with Sore Throat, Cough with Black Sputum, Nauseuse, and Vomiting
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Bronchitis: This is likely due to the combination of cough, sore throat, and the presence of black sputum, which could indicate inhalation of smoke or pollutants, but in a teenager, it more commonly suggests a respiratory infection.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: The symptoms of cough, sore throat, and potentially the black sputum (if indicative of a severe infection) could point towards pneumonia, especially if there's a history of exposure to someone with a similar illness or if the patient has not been vaccinated against common pneumonia-causing pathogens.
- Influenza: Given the seasonal nature of influenza and its symptoms, which can include sore throat, cough, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting, this is a plausible diagnosis, especially during flu season.
- Asthma Exacerbation: If the patient has a history of asthma, an exacerbation could present with cough, potentially with black sputum if there's an environmental trigger, and systemic symptoms like nausea and vomiting due to severe coughing spells.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common in teenagers, a pulmonary embolism could present with sudden onset of cough and might be associated with nausea and vomiting. It's crucial to consider this, especially if there's a history of recent immobilization, surgery, or family history of clotting disorders.
- Epiglottitis: This is a medical emergency that can present with severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and potentially cough. The presence of black sputum might not be directly related, but the severity of symptoms warrants consideration of this diagnosis.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Cystic Fibrosis Exacerbation: If the patient has undiagnosed cystic fibrosis, an exacerbation could present with these symptoms, including the production of dark or black sputum due to chronic infection and inflammation.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause pulmonary and renal symptoms. It might present with cough and potentially hemoptysis (which could be mistaken for black sputum), along with systemic symptoms like nausea and vomiting due to renal involvement.