Final answer:
The differential diagnoses to consider when evaluating for asthma include similar respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis, as well as allergic rhinitis. These conditions share overlapping symptoms with asthma and involve the respiratory system.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering what differential diagnoses should be considered when evaluating for asthma, healthcare professionals typically look into conditions that share similar respiratory symptoms. The correct options are:
- Pneumonia, which is an inflammation of the alveoli filled with fluid, preventing effective gas exchange. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fever.
- Bronchitis, another inflammatory condition of the respiratory tract that can mimic asthma symptoms.
- Allergic rhinitis, which often presents with sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and can lead to postnasal drip causing coughing and irritation of the airways.
Conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, migraines, and arthritis are not typically considered differential diagnoses for asthma as they do not primarily affect the respiratory system.
Given the provided options, the answer would be B) Allergic rhinitis and bronchitis as they share the most overlap with asthma symptoms and involve the respiratory system.