Nosebleed

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Nosebleed

A nosebleed is loss of blood from the tissue lining the nose. Bleeding most commonly occurs in one nostril only.

Bleeding from the nose; Epistaxis

Nosebleeds are very common. Most nosebleeds occur because of minor irritations or colds. They can be frightening for some patients, but are rarely life threatening.

The nose contains many tiny blood vessels that bleed easily. Air moving through the nose can dry and irritate the membranes lining the inside of the nose, forming crusts. These crusts bleed when irritated by rubbing, picking, or blowing the nose.

The lining of the nose is more likely to become dry and irritated from low humidity, allergies, colds, or sinusitis. Thus, nosebleeds occur more frequently in the winter when viruses are common and heated indoor air dries out the nostrils. A deviated septum, foreign object in the nose, or other nasal blockage can also cause a nosebleed.

Most nosebleeds occur on the tip of the nasal septum, the tissue that separates the two sides of the nose. The septum contains many fragile, easily damaged blood vessels. This form of nosebleed is usually easy to stop. Less commonly, nosebleeds may occur higher on the septum or deeper in the nose. Such nosebleeds may be harder to control.

Occasionally, nosebleeds may indicate other disorders such as bleeding disorders or high blood pressure.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (also called HHT or Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome) may be evidenced by nosebleeds. This is a disorder involving a blood vessel growth similar to a birthmark in the back of the nose.

Blood thinners such as Coumadin or aspirin may cause or worsen nosebleeds.

• Nose picking
• Direct injury to nose, including a broken nose
• Blowing the nose very hard
• Very cold or very dry air
• An object stuck in the nose
• Allergic rhinitis
• Repeated sneezing
• Upper respiratory infection
• Barotrauma
• Chemical irritants
• Taking large doses of aspirin or blood-thinning medicine
• Nasal sprays
• Surgery on the face or nose

Repeated nosebleeds may be a symptom of another disease, such as high blood pressure, allergies, a bleeding disorder, or a tumor in the nose or sinuses.

Review Date: 02/09/2007
Reviewed By: Ravindra Uppaluri, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice. St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare.