Differential Diagnosis for Recurrent Nosebleed
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Dry air or nasal dryness: This is often the most common cause of recurrent nosebleeds, especially in dry environments or during the winter months when the air tends to be drier. The lack of moisture can cause the nasal mucosa to become dry and cracked, leading to bleeding.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Hypertension: High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the nose to become fragile and prone to bleeding.
- Nasal trauma or picking: Frequent nose picking or minor trauma to the nose can cause recurrent bleeding.
- Allergies: Allergic rhinitis can lead to chronic nasal congestion and irritation, increasing the risk of nosebleeds.
- Deviated septum: A deviated septum can cause turbulent airflow through the nose, leading to dryness and irritation of the nasal mucosa.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Nasopharyngeal cancer: Although rare, nasopharyngeal cancer can cause recurrent nosebleeds and should not be missed due to its potential severity.
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis): This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, leading to recurrent nosebleeds.
- Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, von Willebrand disease): These conditions can increase the risk of bleeding and should be considered in patients with recurrent nosebleeds.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome): A rare genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessel formation, leading to recurrent nosebleeds.
- Sarcoidosis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the nose, leading to recurrent bleeding.
- Amyloidosis: A rare condition characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins in various tissues, including the nose, which can cause recurrent bleeding.