Differential Diagnosis for Bloody Nose
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Dry air or nasal trauma: This is the most common cause of a bloody nose (epistaxis), often due to dry air causing nasal mucosa dryness and cracking, or minor trauma from picking or blowing the nose.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to nasal congestion and irritation, increasing the risk of a bloody nose.
- Upper respiratory infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as the common cold or sinusitis, can cause inflammation and bleeding in the nasal passages.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the nose to become fragile and prone to bleeding.
- Nasal polyps or tumors: Growths in the nasal passages can irritate the surrounding tissue and cause bleeding.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Nasopharyngeal cancer: Although rare, this type of cancer can cause recurrent or severe nosebleeds and should not be overlooked.
- Coagulopathy (e.g., hemophilia, von Willebrand disease): Bleeding disorders can cause prolonged or severe bleeding from the nose.
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): A rare condition where abnormal blood vessels can cause severe and recurrent nosebleeds.
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome): A genetic disorder that can cause abnormal blood vessels and recurrent nosebleeds.
- Rare diagnoses
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the nasal passages.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause inflammation and granulomas in various parts of the body, including the nose.
- Amyloidosis: A rare condition where abnormal proteins accumulate in the body, potentially causing bleeding and other symptoms.