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Symptoms of a Bloody Nose

A bloody nose may be a result of an injury or natural factors such as allergies or dehydration. A nosebleed is the occurrence when blood is lost through the nostrils when the lining of the nose is irritated. Formally known as epistaxis, a bloody nose, or nosebleed may be the symptom of numerous other complications.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms that a nose bleed is about to occur, include a dull numbing sensation in the sinuses, a sharp pain in the sinuses, a feeling that the nose is full and about to leak, begin to smell the coppery scent of blood. Other symptoms that may warn of a bloody nose to come are injuries sustained to the head, nose or sinuses.

    Causes

    • Along with injuries, a bloody nose may occur as a result of seasonal allergies, cold, low humidity, sinus problems and in some cases asthma. Objects like beads, piercing rings or snoring stoppers being stuck into the nose may cause a nosebleed, as well as having a deviated septum. Small children are likely to give themselves many nosebleeds because they are more likely to pick at and irritate the inner lining of the nostrils. A bloody nose is also more likely in persons who have had to have a tube inserted through their nostril to meet the airway in their throat. Blood thinner medications and aspirin may cause nosebleeds as well. Some people experience nosebleeds when they are stressed or scared.

    Nosebleeds as a Symptom

    • Nosebleeds that occur often may be symptoms to other complications. Nosebleeds that follow injuries to the head may be a sign that an injury has occurred to the brain. In such cases when an injury is sustained before a nosebleed, a doctor should check out the victim, even if the nosebleed is the result of a fist to the nose. Frequent nosebleeds may also be the sign that a person has hypertension or other bleeding disorders; they may also be a symptom of a tumor in the nose or on the sinuses.

    Treatment

    • To treat a bloody nose, hold a towel over the nostrils to prevent blood from running over your clothes, furniture and carpet. Remedies suggest numerous things, from applying pressure to holding an ice pack on the nose. Monitoring how much blood is lost and how rapidly it is flowing will help you determine if there is a problem.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To avoid a bloody nose, avoid situations in which injuries could be sustained to the head or nose, or wear protective headgear. Make sure the level of humidity in a home or frequently occupied building is normal or high; refrain from using dehumidifiers often. Nasal sprays and jellies may be applied inside the nose and around the nasal cavity to prevent nosebleeds.

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