Definition

Nosebleed refers to blood flowing from the nose or nasal passage. There are 2 types of nosebleeds:

• Anterior nosebleed—Blood comes from the front of the nose. It usually flows from the semi-rigid walls that separate the two nostrils. This is the most common type of nosebleed.
• Posterior nosebleed—Bleeding starts deep within the nose. This is often more severe and difficult to treat than an anterior nosebleed.

The Nasal Passage

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Causes

Nosebleeds may be caused by:

• Irritation of or breaking in the lining of the nose
• Injuring the nasal tissue, which occurs more easily when nasal structure is not normal, or when the passages are inflamed due to a cold or allergies
• Very dry nasal tissue
• Picking or bumping the nose
• Forcefully blowing or rubbing the nose
• Having clot from a previous nosebleed becoming disturbed or dislodged
• Placing a foreign object in the nose
• Having a tumor in the nose and/or sinuses

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chances of a nosebleed:

• Irregularity in the structure of the nose
• Abnormalities of the blood vessels in the nose (angiomas)
• Dry climate
• Dry, heated indoor air
• Allergies
• Colds
• Sinusitis
• Diseases, such as sarcoidosis or systemic lupus erythematosus
• Cocaine use
• Bleeding or clotting disorders
• Anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs, including aspirin
• Very high blood pressure

Symptoms

Nosebleed symptoms depend on where in the nose the bleeding begins, for example:

• Anterior nosebleed—These produce blood flow from one nostril when sitting or standing. Blood may pass down the throat if you are coughing or tipping your head back.
• Posterior nosebleed—These cause bleeding down the back of the mouth and throat. Blood may flow from the nostril if you lean forward.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your doctor may want to do certain tests, such as:

• Blood tests—to check for anemia, low blood platelets, or clotting problems
• Sinus x-rays —to identify abnormalities or a mass in the nasal region
• Endoscopy—to examine nasal tissues

Treatment

Most anterior nosebleeds stop without medical care within 15 minutes. Posterior nosebleeds usually are more serious and need medical care. Treatment may include sealing off the blood vessel that is bleeding.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of a nosebleed:

• Lubricate dry nasal passages near the front of the nose. Place a small dab of lubricating cream or ointment on your fingertip. Apply the lubricant to the inside of the nose. You may do this at bedtime or up to 3 times during the day. Polysporin and petroleum jelly are examples of lubricants that may be used.
• Use a saline nasal spray. These help keep nasal passages moist. Be sure that the nose spray does not contain medications, such as phenylephrine or oxymetazoline. These types of medications should be used for only a few consecutive days.
• Do not pick your nose. Cut children's fingernails short to discourage picking.
• Humidify the air, especially in bedrooms.