Why Is My Nose Bleeding? Common Causes, Symptoms, and First Aid

A nosebleed, also known medically as epistaxis, occurs when blood vessels in the lining of your nose break open. This can be a startling experience, but most nosebleeds are not serious, especially in children. Understanding why nosebleeds happen and what to do can help you manage them effectively.

What Causes Nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds are often triggered by simple factors that affect the delicate blood vessels in your nasal passages. These vessels, particularly those in the septum (the wall separating your nostrils), are quite fragile and susceptible to injury.

Common Causes of Nosebleeds

Several everyday situations can lead to a nosebleed:

• Dry Air: Dry air, especially during winter months or in heated indoor environments, is a major culprit. It dries out the nasal membranes, making them more prone to cracking and bleeding.
• Nose Picking: This is a very common cause, especially in children. Scratching or picking at the nasal lining can easily damage the superficial blood vessels.
• Colds and Allergies: Infections of the nose, sinuses, or adenoids, as well as allergies like hay fever, can irritate and inflame the nasal lining. Frequent nose blowing or coughing associated with these conditions can also contribute to nosebleeds.
• Sinus Infections: Similar to colds, sinus infections can inflame and irritate the nasal passages, increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Minor Injuries: Bumps or falls to the nose area can directly injure the blood vessels and cause a nosebleed.
• Foreign Objects: Children sometimes push small objects into their nostrils, which can irritate or damage the nasal lining and cause bleeding.

Less Common Causes of Nosebleeds

While most nosebleeds are due to the common causes listed above, some less frequent factors can also be responsible:

• High Blood Pressure: While not a primary cause of most nosebleeds, high blood pressure can make nosebleeds more difficult to stop.
• Bleeding Disorders: In rare cases, a nosebleed might be a symptom of an underlying bleeding or clotting disorder. If you experience frequent or severe nosebleeds, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor.

Symptoms of a Nosebleed

Recognizing the symptoms of a nosebleed is usually straightforward:

• Bleeding from one or both nostrils: Blood may flow from one or both sides of your nose.
• Sensation of liquid flowing down the back of your throat: You might feel blood trickling down the back of your nose into your throat.
• Frequent swallowing: You may instinctively swallow more often as blood drains into your throat.

How to Stop a Nosebleed: First Aid

Most nosebleeds can be effectively managed at home with simple first aid:

1. Stay Calm: Reassure the person experiencing the nosebleed, especially if it’s a child. Crying or panic can increase blood flow and make the bleeding worse.
2. Sit Upright and Lean Forward: Have the person sit up straight and lean their head slightly forward. This position helps to prevent swallowing blood and reduces pressure in the nasal veins.
3. Pinch Your Nostrils: Use your thumb and index finger to firmly pinch the soft part of the nostrils, just below the bony bridge of the nose. Maintain pressure for a full 10 minutes. It’s crucial to maintain continuous pressure for this duration.
4. Breathe Through Your Mouth: Encourage the person to breathe through their mouth while you are pinching their nostrils.
5. Loosen Tight Clothing: Loosen any tight clothing around the neck to ensure unrestricted breathing.
6. Apply a Cold Compress: Place a cold cloth or ice pack on the forehead and the back of the neck. This can help to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow.
7. Check After 10 Minutes: After 10 minutes of continuous pressure, release the pinch and check if the bleeding has stopped.
8. Seek Medical Help if Bleeding Persists: If the bleeding continues after 10 minutes of pressure, seek medical attention.

Important Reminders After a Nosebleed:

• Avoid Sniffing or Blowing Your Nose: For at least 15 minutes after the bleeding stops, avoid sniffing or blowing your nose. This can dislodge any clots that have formed and restart the bleeding.
• No Nose Picking: Refrain from picking your nose for the rest of the day to allow the nasal lining to heal.

When to See a Doctor for a Nosebleed

While most nosebleeds are manageable at home, there are situations when seeking medical attention is necessary:

• Bleeding Doesn’t Stop: If the nosebleed does not stop after 10-15 minutes of firm, continuous pressure.
• Heavy Bleeding: If the bleeding is very heavy or if a large amount of blood is lost.
• Frequent Nosebleeds: If you experience nosebleeds frequently, even if they are minor.
• Nosebleed After Injury: If the nosebleed occurs after a significant head injury.
• Difficulty Breathing: If you are having difficulty breathing due to the nosebleed.
• Feeling Weak or Dizzy: If you feel weak, dizzy, or faint due to blood loss.
• Suspected Underlying Cause: If you suspect an underlying medical condition might be causing your nosebleeds (e.g., bleeding disorder, medication side effect).

Preventing Nosebleeds

While not always preventable, you can take steps to reduce your risk of nosebleeds:

• Humidify Your Home: Use a humidifier, especially during dry months, to add moisture to the air and prevent nasal dryness.
• Saline Nasal Spray: Use a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moist, particularly in dry climates or during winter.
• Avoid Nose Picking: Try to discourage nose picking, especially in children.
• Treat Allergies and Colds Promptly: Manage allergies and colds effectively to reduce nasal irritation and congestion.
• Use Nasal Lubricants: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a nasal moisturizing gel inside your nostrils to keep them moist, especially before bed.

Where to Get Help

If you have concerns about nosebleeds, you can seek help from the following resources:

• Your Doctor: Your general practitioner is a good first point of contact for any health concerns, including frequent or concerning nosebleeds.
• NURSE-ON-CALL: In Australia, NURSE-ON-CALL (Tel. 1300 606 024) provides 24/7 expert health information and advice.
• Hospital Emergency Department: For severe nosebleeds that do not stop with first aid or in emergency situations.

Things to Remember:

• Nosebleeds are common, particularly in children, and are usually not a sign of a serious underlying condition.
• First aid, including pinching the nostrils, is effective in stopping most nosebleeds.
• Seek medical attention if a nosebleed is severe, frequent, or does not stop with first aid.