Differential Diagnosis for Nose Bleeds

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Dry air or nasal trauma: This is often the most common cause of nose bleeds, as dry air can cause the nasal mucosa to become dry and cracked, leading to bleeding. Nasal trauma, such as picking or blowing the nose, can also cause bleeding.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Hypertension: High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the nose to become fragile and prone to bleeding.
  • Allergies: Allergic rhinitis can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, and irritation, leading to nose bleeds.
  • Sinus infections: Infections such as sinusitis can cause inflammation and bleeding in the nasal passages.
  • Nasal polyps: Growths in the nasal passages can cause irritation and bleeding.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Nasopharyngeal cancer: Although rare, cancer in the nasal passages can cause bleeding and should not be missed.
  • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis): This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the nasal passages.
  • Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: A genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessel formation, leading to frequent nose bleeds.
  • Coagulopathy: Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease can cause nose bleeds.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessel formation, leading to frequent nose bleeds.
  • 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.