Causes of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds happen often because of the rich blood supply of the nose. Common causes include:

• Spontaneous Nosebleed. Most nosebleeds start with no known cause.
• Rubbing or Picking the nose is the most common known causes. It's hard to not touch or rub the nose.
• Blowing the nose too hard can cause a nosebleed.
• Sinus Infections. The main symptoms are lots of dry snot and a blocked nose. This leads to extra nose blowing and picking. The sinus infection is more often viral than bacterial.
• Nose Allergies. The main symptom is a very itchy nose. This leads to extra rubbing and blowing.
• Dry Air. Dryness of the nasal lining makes it more likely to bleed. In the winter, forced air heating can dry out the nose.
• Allergy Medicines help the nasal symptoms, but also dry out the nose. It may cause a nosebleed.
• Ibuprofen and Aspirin. These medicines increase the bleeding tendency.
• Cocaine Use. Frequent use of cocaine can lead to nosebleeds. Long-term use can cause a hole in the septum of the nose.
• Bleeding Disorder (serious). This means the blood platelets or clotting factors are missing or not working right. A bleeding disorder should be suspected if the nosebleed can't be stopped. Lots of bleeding from the gums or with minor cuts is also a clue. Bleeding disorders are a rare cause of frequent nosebleeds. Taking blood thinners has the same effect.

When to Call for Nosebleed

Care Advice for Mild Nosebleed

What You Should Know about Nosebleeds:

• Nosebleeds are common.
• You should be able to stop the bleeding if you use the correct technique.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Squeeze the Lower Nose:

• Gently squeeze the soft parts of the lower nose together. Press them against the center wall (septum) for 10 minutes.  This puts constant pressure on the bleeding point.
• Use the thumb and index finger in a pinching manner.
• If the bleeding does not stop, move your point of pressure.
• Sit up or lean forward and breathe through the mouth during this procedure.
• If the bleeding starts again, use the same technique again.
• It may help to place a cold pack on the upper part of the nose.
• You may swallow some blood if your nose is bleeding a lot. Do not be alarmed if you get sick and you see some blood in the vomit.
• Once the bleeding has stopped, avoid blowing or picking your nose.

Put Gauze into the Nose:

• If pressure alone fails, use a piece of gauze. Wet it with a few drops of water. Another option is to put a little petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) on the gauze.
• Insert the wet gauze into the side that is bleeding. Press again for 10 minutes. Reason it works: the gauze puts more pressure on the bleeding spot.
• If you don't have gauze, use a piece of paper towel.
• Repeat the process of gently squeezing the lower soft parts of the nose. Do this for 10 minutes.

Prevent Recurrent Nosebleeds:

• If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier to keep the nose from drying out.
• For nose blowing, blow gently.
• Avoid picking the nose.
• Do not use aspirin and ibuprofen. Reason: increases bleeding tendency.
• Bleeding areas in the front of the nose sometimes develop a scab. It may heal slowly and re-bleed. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the spot. Repeat twice a day. Do not use for more than 1 week.

What to Expect:

• More than 99% of nosebleeds will stop if you press on the right spot.
• It may take 10 minutes of direct pressure.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Can't stop bleeding with 10 minutes of direct pressure done correctly
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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