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What Are the Causes of a Bloody Nose?

The nose is particularly susceptible to bleeding. First of all, it is full of blood vessels making it vulnerable to bleeding upon impact. Also, since the nose protrudes from the face, it is more prone to injury. A bloody nose, or nosebleed, can result from a number of conditions. Causes of a bloody nose may be internal as well as external. However, the vast majority of nosebleeds are caused by dry nasal membranes. The amount of bleeding can vary from limited to profuse. Regardless of the cause, a bloody nose can typically be stopped within a matter of minutes.

  1. Internal Causes

    • Physiologically speaking, a bloody nose results when membranes in the nose crack as a result of significant dryness. Inflammation of the nose lining, or rhinitis, can also lead to nosebleeds. The amount of bleeding that results can be affected by medications that prevent blood from clotting. Prescribed medications, such as Coumadin, and over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, are blood thinners and therefore result in increased bleeding.

    External Causes

    • Certainly an injury where direct impact or pressure is applied to the nose can result in substantial bleeding. But external factors, such as the weather and air quality, are more frequently associated with nosebleeds. The occurrence of a bloody nose is more likely during the winter months. The changes in temperature and humidity during the cold months make nosebleeds as well as upper respiratory infections more common. Additionally, nasal membranes are vulnerable to drying in a warm indoor environment that provides little humidity.

    Treatment

    • Sufferers of nosebleeds are often mistakenly advised to put their heads back. Although this will prevent blood from dripping down the front of the face, this will not stop the bleeding. Also, the redirected blood will end up clogging the sinuses or throat. Pinching the nose with the thumb and pointer finger against the nasal bone for several minutes will cut off the flow of blood.

    Prevention

    • Maintaining moist nasal cavities is a great way to prevent nosebleeds caused by dryness. Saline solutions can be sprayed in the nose several times throughout the day to provide the nose with sufficient moisture. Coating the lining of the nostrils with Vaseline keeps the inside of the nose moist and soft. Gently blowing the nose is another way to prevent inflammation. Picking one's nose should be avoided as this is not only unsanitary, but irritates the nasal lining.

    Straining

    • Physical exertion can lead to subsequent nosebleeds. Once the nose has stopped bleeding, it remains sensitive. As such, lifting heavy objects should be avoided since this increases blood pressure. Increases in blood pressure can trigger more nosebleeds. Also, straining during bowel movements should be avoided as this results in added pressure as well.

    Recurrent Nosebleeds

    • If a bloody nose continues to occur despite steps taken to prevent it, see a doctor. Many times, the cause of the nosebleeds stem from a specific blood vessel that has been weakened. A cautery of that blood vessel will seal it up in a sense and promote blood clotting in that area. If this treatment is unsuccessful, further tests are needed to determine if a blood disorder or some other underlying condition exists.

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