All About Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are quite common and can occur spontaneously. They can also be induced by an injury, nose-picking, or a deeper underlying cause. Here’s everything you need to know about nosebleeds, including causes, ways to stop the nosebleed, and treatment options for frequent nosebleeds.
What Are Nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, are a common condition where blood vessels in the nose burst, leading to bleeding from the nose. Most nosebleeds are minor and can be treated at home, but some may require medical attention. The delicate blood vessels in the nasal mucosa are prone to breaking due to their fragile nature and close proximity to the surface. When a blood vessel in the nose bursts, it can cause bleeding, which can be alarming but is usually not serious.
Nosebleeds can occur in one or both nostrils and are often caused by dry air, cold weather, allergies, or minor trauma. The tiny blood vessels in the nose warm and moisten the air we breathe, making them susceptible to injury or breakage. Air movement through the nose can dry and irritate these blood vessels, making them more prone to bleeding.
In most cases, nosebleeds are not a cause for concern and can be treated with simple first-aid measures, such as applying pressure to the nose and keeping the head slightly forward. However, frequent nosebleeds or heavy and persistent ones may require medical attention to rule out any underlying conditions.
Types of Nosebleeds
There are two main types of nosebleeds, classified based on the location of the bleeding within the nasal septum.
- Anterior Nosebleeds: These are the most common type of nosebleed in the front of the nose. They are usually caused by dry air, nose-picking, or minor trauma. Anterior nosebleeds are often easy to treat and can be managed with simple first-aid measures.
- Posterior Nosebleeds: These are less common and occur in the back of the nose. They can be more severe and may be caused by high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or other underlying medical conditions. Posterior nosebleeds may require medical attention and treatment to prevent complications.
What Causes Nosebleeds?
The delicate tissue inside the nasal cavity is susceptible to damage, and blood cells travel very close to the surface of this tissue, making nosebleeds common. Any damage to the lining can damage small blood vessels and cause a nosebleed.
Causes of nosebleeds include:
Nosebleeds occur for various reasons, often related to environmental factors or physical trauma.
- Dry or hot air irritates the lining and leads to tiny cracks that can bleed.
- A cold or allergies that block the airway and cause the blood cells to expand, increasing the risk of a nosebleed
- Blowing your nose often or very forcefully, irritating the nasal lining
- Picking the nose which can leave tiny scratches in the lining and break the blood vessels
- Trauma to the head or to the nose (nasal trauma)
- Certain medications like blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Recognizing the signs of a nosebleed is usually straightforward, as it involves the sudden onset of bleeding from the nose. This bleeding can range from light to heavy. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, or swelling. In some cases, nosebleeds can indicate an underlying medical condition, such as high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder.
To diagnose a nosebleed, a healthcare provider will typically start with a physical examination and a review of your medical history. They may use a nasal endoscope or a small camera to get a closer look inside your nose and pinpoint the source of the bleeding. In some instances, imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI might be necessary to rule out any severe underlying conditions.
Stopping a Nosebleed
If you have a nosebleed, your first priority must be to ensure the bleeding stops. Nosebleeds can sometimes be accompanied by symptoms like nasal congestion. If the bleeding is coming from far within the nose or is very heavy, seek medical attention immediately.
To stop a nosebleed when the bleeding is coming from the front of the nose, you can try the following steps:
- Sit up straight in a chair and lean slightly forward.
- Avoid breathing through the nose for a few minutes and only through your mouth.
- Very gently pinch shut the tip of the nose for a couple of minutes to allow the blood to clot, stopping the bleeding.
- Keep pinching the nose for 5 or 10 minutes before checking to see if the nosebleed has stopped.
- If the nose is still bleeding after 10 minutes, you can use a decongestant nasal spray to constrict the blood cells and stop the nosebleed.
- Pinch the nose again and wait for the medication in the spray to be absorbed. Repeat these steps two or three times.
- If the nosebleed continues, you should seek medical attention.
These steps are designed to ensure that the bleeding stops effectively and quickly.
Once the nosebleed has stopped, don’t blow your nose for at least an hour to allow the nose to heal. Otherwise, the nosebleed will likely start again.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If the nosebleed persists for over a few minutes, you’ll need medical attention. If the bleeding is heavy, and a large amount of blood is going down the throat even when you’re leaning forward, seek emergency medical care immediately. A heavy nosebleed can be very serious or point to an underlying cause that needs immediate attention. In such cases, a diagnostic procedure like a nasal endoscopy may be performed to identify the source of the bleeding.
Treating Nosebleeds
Once the nosebleed has stopped, the next step is to find a way to treat the nosebleeds. If it was an isolated incident, you can safely ignore it. Still, if you have frequent nosebleeds, you’ll need to take steps to find the cause of the nosebleeds and stop them permanently.
A common treatment option is to change or reduce medications that thin the blood and can lead to nosebleeds. If the nosebleed is from allergies, medication such as antihistamines can relieve the symptoms and stop the nosebleeds. An injury or a tumor may need surgery to treat the underlying cause and stop the frequent nosebleeds. Another effective treatment for frequent nosebleeds is nasal cauterization, which involves sealing the blood vessels in the nose to prevent further bleeding.
When to See a Doctor About Nosebleeds
If you have infrequent nosebleeds, you don’t require medical attention. However, if you have frequent or prolonged nosebleeds, visit your doctor or ENT specialist. They’ll review your medical history to look for underlying causes of the nosebleeds, such as nasal polyps, review your medications and doses, and perform a physical exam to find the cause. They may also order a blood test to look for any additional causes.
While most nosebleeds are harmless and can happen for several benign reasons, seek medical attention if you have frequent or heavy nosebleeds. Your doctor or ENT will help you find the cause of the nosebleeds and suggest treatment options to prevent nosebleeds in the future.