Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

Introduction

In the current paper, a case study of 15 years old female is presented. The girl has been complaining of non productive cough from past three days. The patient has been subjected for different tests. Differential diagnosis will be made on the basis of these tests and the diagnosis will be done accordingly.

Discussion

Objective

The main objective of the case study is to find out the actual diagnosis of the patient. Based on the patient profile, it is evident that the patient is a chronic patient of hay fever.

Assessment

The patient has been taking nasal drops, Mucinex (guaifenesin), which is an OTC drug. It is used for temporary relief from cough. Veramyst (Fluticasone Furoate) which is a corticosteroid has also been used in the patient.

The diagnosis is based on the testing that is going to be performed. The patient should be suggested with the testing of four systems:

Testing the esophagus to confirm if the patient is suffering from GERD. Tests including esophageal manometry Esophageal pH tests, upper endoscopy of the esophagus

Complete blood count to make sure if there is any presence of anemia, infection or any other cellular change specific in asthma

Examination of the cardio vascular system to see if there is any evident failure of the left ventricle

Examine if there is any enlargement of the spleen to see if the patient has been suffering from polyarteritis nodosa or sarcoidosis. Spleen enlargement might affect the liver, resulting in chronic dry cough.

Examination of the esophagus for GERD

The examination of the esophagus to confirm the presence or absence of GERD involves three procedures.

Upper endoscopy

In upper endoscopy, a narrow endoscope is used which has flash light and a camera attached to it are used to invade the human esophagus. The endoscope is further inserted inside to check the stomach, the upper part of ...