A patient with facial pain and a fever of 102F is likely suffering from which condition?

A patient presenting with facial pain combined with a fever of 102°F is most indicative of bacterial sinusitis. The symptoms described suggest inflammation and infection of the sinus cavities, which is typically characterized by facial pain or discomfort in the areas around the nose, forehead, and eyes.

Fever is a common response to a bacterial infection as the body tries to fight off the invading pathogens. In bacterial sinusitis, the infection is often more severe and prolonged compared to viral infections, leading to the development of symptoms that may include persistent facial pain or pressure, thick nasal discharge, and systemic symptoms such as fever. This combination of facial pain and elevated temperature aligns closely with bacterial sinusitis.

In contrast, allergic rhinitis primarily produces nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes without the fever and facial pain associated with sinus infections. Viral sinusitis can cause similar symptoms to bacterial sinusitis, but it typically does not induce a high fever and usually resolves within a shorter time frame. The common cold, also caused by viruses, leads to mild respiratory symptoms but does not usually result in significant facial pain or fever of this magnitude. Thus, bacterial sinusitis is the most appropriate diagnosis based on the symptoms presented.