About Nosebleeds

The face is the most vascular part of the body. The nose, in particular, protrudes from the face and is made vulnerable to accidents or injuries that may result in a nosebleed. In addition to your nose being traumatized, nosebleeds can also occur during the dry winter months. Nosebleeds also can result from use of cigarettes and drug abuse.

Significance

• Nosebleeds commonly occur is you are taking blood thinner medication, if you suffer from hypertension, or if you have common seasonal allergies. Commonly, nosebleeds can be taken care of on your own, but if the problem persists, call your physician as it may be a result of a severe medical issue.

Types

• Other than the obvious causes of nosebleeds, frequent recurrences of nosebleeds may happen as a result of hemorrhaging from sneezing, blowing your nose, or from polyps in your nasal passages.
  Children may also have nosebleeds as they will commonly pick their nose or shove small objects into their nasal cavity.
  Drug abuse, especially snorting cocaine, will increase the occurrence and severity of nosebleeds.

Time Frame

• If the nose continues to bleed after applying pressure for 20 minutes or more, you may want to contact the doctor. If the bleeding occurs for several extended periods of time for two days or more, contact your medical physician.

Considerations

• Smoking causes your nasal passages to stay dry and often irritated. If you experience frequent nosebleeds, quit smoking.
  In the winter months, indoor air, which is heated, also tends to be dry. Consider using humidifiers within your home to ease the irritation to the inside of your nose.

Warning

• Prolonged, excessive nosebleeds can cause you to become faint. If this problem occurs, tell your physician immediately.
  Early signs of leukemia, tumors and blood-clot disorders all could result in frequent and excessive nosebleeds.
  While applying pressure to stop a nosebleed, never lean your head back. Doing so will cause the blood to drip down your throat. Instead, lean forward and allow the blood to drip out of your nose.