A differential diagnosis is a list of possible conditions that could explain a patient’s symptoms. This list is created by a healthcare professional based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and any relevant tests that have been performed. The healthcare professional will then consider each condition on the list and perform additional tests or evaluations as needed to narrow down the possibilities and arrive at a final diagnosis.

Here are some factors that might influence the priority of a differential diagnosis:

• Urgency: Is the condition life-threatening or requiring immediate intervention?
• Severity of symptoms: How severe are the patient’s symptoms and how much are they impacting their daily life?
• Prevalence of the condition: How common is the condition in the general population and in the patient’s specific age group or demographic?
• Likelihood based on symptoms and history: How well do the patient’s symptoms and history fit with the known presentation of each condition on the list?

It’s important to remember that only a qualified healthcare professional can make a definitive diagnosis. If you are concerned about your health, always seek professional medical advice. They can perform a comprehensive assessment and provide you with the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.