Differential Diagnosis for Repeated Nose Bleeds
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dry air or nasal trauma: Repeated nose bleeds can often be attributed to dry air, which causes the nasal mucosa to become dry and cracked, leading to bleeding. Nasal trauma, such as picking or blowing the nose, can also cause repeated nose bleeds.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hypertension: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the nose to become fragile and prone to bleeding.
- Allergies: Seasonal allergies or environmental allergies can cause nasal congestion and irritation, leading to repeated nose bleeds.
- Nasal polyps or tumors: Growths in the nasal passages can cause irritation and bleeding.
- Blood clotting disorders: Conditions such as von Willebrand disease or platelet function disorders can increase the risk of nose bleeds.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Nasopharyngeal cancer: Although rare, nasopharyngeal cancer can cause repeated nose bleeds and should not be missed due to its potential severity.
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the nasal passages.
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT): A genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessel formation, leading to repeated nose bleeds.
Rare Diagnoses
- Scurvy: A disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, which can cause bleeding gums and nose bleeds.
- Leukemia: Certain types of leukemia can cause bleeding and bruising, including nose bleeds.
- Amyloidosis: A condition in which abnormal proteins accumulate in the body, potentially causing bleeding and other symptoms.
- Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessel formation and can lead to repeated nose bleeds.