A comprehensive Guide on Nosebleed: What causes it and How to Treat Them

Nosebleeds are very common and not that serious. About 60% of people get nosebleeds at least once in their life but only 10% of these cases need medical attention. Multiple things can cause nosebleeds from dry air to high blood pressure. In this blog, we will understand what some of the common causes of nosebleeds are. How to treat nosebleeds and how to prevent nosebleeds.  

What is a Nosebleed? 

A nosebleed, medically known as epistaxis, occurs when the delicate blood vessels in the nose rupture and bleed. Common causes include dry air, nasal trauma, allergies, and high blood pressure. Most nosebleeds are harmless and stop on their own, but severe or recurrent ones may require medical attention.  

Types of Nosebleeds  

Nosebleeds are generally categorized into two types: anterior and posterior (1).

1. Anterior nosebleeds

These are the most common types and occur when the blood vessels in the front part of the nose (the nasal septum) are damaged or irritated. They typically result from minor trauma, dry air, or nose picking.

2. Posterior nosebleeds

Less common but often more serious, posterior nosebleeds originate from the blood vessels deeper in the nose and are harder to manage. They can be caused by high blood pressure, nasal infections, or nasal surgery, and may require medical intervention to stop the bleeding. 

What are the Causes of Nosebleeds? 

Here are some reasons for why blood comes from nose: 

• Dry air 

Dry air can lead to nosebleeds by drying out the delicate mucous membranes lining the nasal passages. This drying weakens the blood vessels, making them more prone to rupture and bleeding. Common in arid climates or heated indoor environments, it’s a frequent cause of anterior nosebleeds (2). 

• Infections 

Nosebleeds can be caused by nasal infections such as sinusitis, which inflame the nasal passages and irritate the blood vessels. Infections can lead to tissue swelling and increased fragility of the blood vessels, making them more susceptible to bleeding, particularly in posterior nosebleeds (3). 

• Allergies 

Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages, causing the blood vessels to become more fragile and prone to bleeding. This is particularly common in individuals who frequently experience nasal congestion or use nasal decongestants (4). 

• Medications 

Certain medications, particularly those that affect blood clotting or thinning the blood, can increase the risk of nosebleeds. Examples include anticoagulants (blood thinners) like warfarin or aspirin, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. These medications can prolong bleeding time and make blood vessels more prone to rupture (5). 

• Chemical Irritants 

Exposure to certain chemical irritants can cause nosebleeds. Common irritants include strong acids, alkalis, ammonia, bleach, and some cleaning agents. These substances can irritate the delicate nasal tissues, leading to inflammation and potentially causing the blood vessels to rupture and bleed (4). 

Symptoms of Nosebleed 

• Bleeding form either one or both nostrils 

• Feeling for liquid flowing at the back of the throat 

• Urge to swallow frequently 

Who Can Get a Nosebleed? 

Although anyone can get a nosebleed some people are more vulnerable to nosebleeds than others. Some of these groups include: 

• Children between the ages of 2 to 10 

Dry air, colds, allergies and sticking fingers and objects into their noses are the common reasons for bloody noses in children. 

• Adults between the ages of 45 to 80 

Blood can take longer to clot in older adults. This group is also more likely to have high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the walls of arteries) or a bleeding disorder. All of these factors can cause nosebleeds in adults. 

• Pregnant women 

Blood vessels in pregnant women’s nose expand, which puts more pressure on the delicate blood vessels in the lining of your nose. 

• People on blood thinning medications 

People who are on blood thinning medications like aspirin and warfarin are more susceptible to nosebleeds. 

How to Stop a Nosebleed? 

• Home Remedies 

Most of the time a nosebleed is not a serious issue and does not require medical attention. You can stop the bleeding at home using some simple techniques.  

• Sit upright and touch the soft part of your nose and breathe through your mouth. This helps to block the bleeding. 

• Lean forward to prevent blood flowing into the sinuses and throat. It is important to prevent you from inhaling the blood. 

• Keep your head at a higher position than your heart. This helps to lower the blood pressure and stop further bleeding.  

• Continue to put pressure on the nose, sit upright and put ice on the bleeding part to clot the blood.  

• If you still experience bleeding, then seek medical attention.  

Keep your nose moist. One study found that there is a correlation between humidity and a reduction in nosebleeds (5).  

• Medical Treatment 

If after trying home remedies you still experience nosebleed then you might want to seek medical attention. You should also seek medical attention if you: 

• experience frequent nosebleeds 

• sustained an injury to the head 

• Taking blood thinning medication 

• Cannot stop bleeding within 10 to 15 mins 

In case of above reasons for bloody nose a doctor might check your blood pressure and pulse. The doctor may also order an X-Ray if he suspects a fracture or an injury to your news. The doctor may take the following course of action based on the severity of the nosebleed and underlying nose bleeding reasons: 

• Nasal Packing 

This treatment involves a doctor inserting a special nasal sponge into the nasal cavity to put pressure on the source of the bleed. 

• Cautery 

Cauterizing is one of the most effective nosebleed or epistaxis treatment. It involves cauterizing an area of nasal lining to seal bleeding blood vessels. 

• Embolization 

This rare medical treatment involves a health care professional inserting materials into blood vessels or arteries to block blood flow.   

• Septal Surgery 

This type of surgery is done if there is a deviated septum causing the nosebleed.  

• Ligation 

Ligation is a medical procedure where the ends of the identified blood vessels or arteries causing the bleeding are tied. 

• Prevention 

There are several ways to prevent a nose bleeding suddenly:

• Avoid picking your nose frequently 

• Avoid blowing nose too hard 

• Avoid blowing nose too frequently 

• Avoid injuries 

Conclusion 

A simple epistaxis definition is bleeding from the nose.  Nosebleeds are frequent occurrences and typically not severe. The majority are anterior nosebleeds, easily manageable at home. They usually occur suddenly and resolve quickly. There are many reasons for a nosebleed, especially dry air and repeated scratching or picking of the nose. A posterior nosebleed can pose greater risks. If you suspect you’re experiencing one, it’s vital to promptly inform your doctor or visit the emergency room. 

FAQs 

1. What is the best treatment for bloody nose? 

The best nosebleed treatment is to put a cold cloth on the soft part of the nose to stop the bleeding and then pinch your nose for 10 to 15 minutes.  

2. How to stop a nosebleed fast? 

To stop nosebleed fast you must sit up, lean forward, pinch your nose, breathe through your mouth and apply ice to the bleeding part.  

3. What not to do after a nosebleed? 

Here are the things not to do if you have a nosebleed 

• Blow your nose 

• Pick your nose 

• Tilt your head backward 

• Lying flat 

• Heavy lifting