With cooler temps and drier air upon us, your chance of getting a nosebleed goes up. Don’t worry, though. We’ll share everything you need to know about this common, typically harmless condition. That way, you’ll know what to do if it happens to you or someone in your family.

Nosebleed: Defined

A nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, is the irritation and rupture of the blood vessels inside of your nose. There are two types of nosebleeds: anterior (more common in children) and posterior (more common in adults). Most people will get at least one nosebleed in their lifetime.

An anterior nosebleed occurs in the front part of your nose and is generally easier to treat because it involves smaller, more delicate blood vessels. However, a posterior nosebleed occurs deep in your nose and is often more difficult to treat because it involves larger blood vessels. Heavy bleeding is more likely to occur with posterior nosebleeds. 

Nosebleed Causes

Nosebleed Causes

There are many potential nosebleed causes, and, fortunately, most of them aren’t serious. You might get a nosebleed due to:

  • Dry air (the skin inside your nose gets brittle)
  • Allergies or a cold
  • A sinus or nasal infection
  • A deviated septum
  • Picking your nose or inserting a foreign object into your nostril
  • Overusing nasal spray
  • Overusing aspirin or other blood thinners
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Using cocaine
  • Exposure to irritants like bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals
  • Pregnancy (your blood vessels expand, making them more likely to break)

However, some potential causes will likely require medical attention, such as:

  • Leukemia
  • Hemophilia
  • Nasal tumors or polyps
  • Getting hit in the nose, face, or head
  • High blood pressure
  • Rare medical conditions, like hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (abnormal connections between veins and arteries) or immune thrombocytopenia (a blood disorder that can cause easy bleeding and bruising)

Generally, you can treat a nosebleed at home. Let’s take a closer look at how.

How to Manage Nosebleeds on Your Own

If you get a nosebleed, follow these best practices:

  • Sit up and lean forward to avoid blood drainage into your stomach.
  • Blow your nose carefully to get out any clots.
  • Use a nasal spray to clean out your nostrils.
  • Pinch the soft part of your nose shut for 5-20 minutes to stop the blood flow. Check to see if the bleeding has stopped every five minutes.

Once the bleeding has stopped, keep your head upright, and avoid doing any strenuous activity or touching your nose for several hours.

When You Might Need Medical Attention

When You Might Need Medical Attention

While most nosebleeds get resolved quickly and easily, you should see a doctor if:

  • The bleeding doesn’t stop within 20-30 minutes.
  • You get frequent nosebleeds (at least one per week).
  • You have difficulty breathing.
  • You lose a significant amount of blood. (Remember, don’t drive yourself to get care in this case. Call 9-1-1.)
  • You’ve ingested a lot of blood and experience vomiting.
  • You’ve been injured.

If your child under age two gets a nosebleed, you should contact their physician.

What Your Doctor Will Do

At the doctor’s office or emergency room, the physician will ask you about your nosebleed and examine your nose to determine the cause of the condition. If they suspect that you have nasal tumors or a blood disorder, they may order an X-ray, CT scan, or lab work.

Depending on the cause of your nosebleed, the doctor may:

  • Pack your nose with gauze for up to 48 hours.
  • Cauterize (a harmless burning) or tie off the damaged blood vessels.
  • Remove any foreign object inside of the nose.
  • Repair a deviated septum.
  • Adjust your medication so that you take fewer blood thinners.

The doctor might also share some tips for preventing future nosebleeds.

Nosebleed Prevention

Nosebleed Prevention

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce the chance of getting a nosebleed, such as:

  • Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside of your nostrils a few times a day.
  • Using a saline nasal spray (but follow the doctor’s orders because overuse can have the opposite effect).
  • Running a humidifier inside of your house and office.
  • Keeping your fingernails short and smooth to avoid nicking the lining in your nostril.
  • Sneezing with your mouth open to avoid pressure build-up in the nose that could rupture blood vessels.

If you’re a smoker, try to quit. Smoking dries out your nasal passages (and can cause a host of other serious ailments over time).

Final Thoughts

Getting a nosebleed can be frightening. Fortunately, it’s usually just a gross and inconvenient event. But, if you experience them often, have a hard time stopping the bleeding, or have other questions or concerns, we’re here for you. We can identify the root cause of the problem and develop a treatment and prevention plan that helps you live a healthier and happier life.