Introduction When a patient presents with symptoms, determining the exact cause is not always straightforward. Many illnesses share overlapping signs, making diagnosis a complex process rather than a single step. This is where differential diagnosis becomes essential. It is a systematic method doctors use to narrow down possible conditions, eliminate unlikely causes, and ultimately reach the most accurate diagnosis. Understanding how differential diagnosis works empowers patients, improves communication with healthcare providers, and ensures more precise and effective treatment. This article explains the importance of differential diagnosis, how it’s performed, and why it plays a crucial role in modern medicine. What…