Epistaxis Differential Diagnoses

Author: Quoc A Nguyen, MD; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA more...

Updated: May 24, 2011

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Diagnostic Considerations

Recurrent epistaxis in children could be caused by a foreign body, especially if the nosebleeds are accompanied by symptoms of unilateral nasal congestion and purulent rhinorrhea. Delayed epistaxis in a trauma patient may signal the presence of a traumatic aneurysm.

Other conditions to be considered include the following:

Chemical irritants
Hepatic failure
Leukemia
Thrombocytopenia
Heparin toxicity
Ticlopidine toxicity
Dipyridamole toxicity
Trauma
Tumor

Differential Diagnoses

Proceed to Workup

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Quoc A Nguyen, MD Associate Clinical Professor, Director, Sinus and Allergy Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Medical Center

Quoc A Nguyen, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Laryngological Rhinological and Otological Society, American Rhinologic Society, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Hassan H Ramadan, MD, MSc Professor and Vice-Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine

Hassan H Ramadan, MD, MSc is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Rhinologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Stephen G Batuello, MD Consulting Staff, Colorado ENT Specialists

Stephen G Batuello, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Physician Executives, American Medical Association, and Colorado Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Head and Neck Society

Disclosure: Covidien Corp Consulting fee Consulting; US Tobacco Corporation Unrestricted gift Unknown; Axis Three Corporation Ownership interest Consulting; Omni Biosciences Ownership interest Consulting; Sentegra Ownership interest Board membership; Syndicom Ownership interest Consulting; Oxlo Consulting; Medvoy Ownership interest Management position; Cerescan Imaging Honoraria Consulting; GYRUS ACMI Honoraria Consulting

References

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Posterior epistaxis from the left sphenopalatine artery.

Resolved posterior epistaxis after endoscopic cauterization of the left sphenopalatine artery.

Nasal speculum.

Vaseline gauze packing.

Expandable (Merocel) packing (dry).

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