Differential Diagnosis for Nasal Bridge Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Sinusitis: This is often the most common cause of nasal bridge pain due to the proximity of the sinuses to the nasal bridge and the frequency of sinus infections in the general population.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal mucosa can cause pain and discomfort in the nasal bridge area, especially if it involves the turbinate bones.
- Nasal septal deviation or spurs: Abnormalities in the nasal septum can cause localized pain and pressure, especially if they obstruct normal airflow or cause turbulence.
- Trauma: Recent injury to the nose can cause pain in the nasal bridge, which may be accompanied by swelling, bruising, or deformity.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningitis: Although rare, meningitis can cause pain in the facial area, including the nasal bridge, especially if there is associated sinusitis or other facial infection that spreads intracranially.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis: A potentially life-threatening condition that can arise from facial or sinus infections, causing pain, proptosis, and neurological deficits.
- Nasal or sinus tumors: Although less common, tumors in the nasal cavity or sinuses can cause persistent pain and should be considered, especially in the absence of other explanatory causes.
- Rare diagnoses
- Trigeminal neuralgia: A condition characterized by sudden, severe, shock-like pain around the eyes, lips, or nose, which can sometimes be localized to the nasal bridge area.
- Eosinophilic granuloma: Part of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, which can cause lytic bone lesions, including in the facial bones, leading to pain and other symptoms.
- Relapsing polychondritis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and destruction of cartilaginous structures, including the nose, leading to pain and deformity.