What Can Cause Nosebleeds?

Hidden health conditions

Serious health condition may be the cause for sudden nosebleeds. Liver and kidney disease, as well as heart conditions like hypertension or congestive heart failure, can often interfere with how well your blood can clot.

Air quality

If you are exposed to drier air, this can cause the lining in the nose to crack, which can result in bleeding. This is common where there is indoor heating or when the air outside is dry and cold. This can typically be treated by using a humidifier or nasal sprays.

Blood thinners

Most pain medications like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase your chances of having a nosebleed. These along with anticoagulant medications can prevent the blood from clotting properly, not only making it easier to have a nosebleed, but will also making it more difficult for you to stop the bleeding once it has started.

Scratching or picking the nose

While it is very common for younger children to suffer from a nosebleed because they pick their nose, some adults also cause nosebleeds from picking or scratching their nose. 

Hay fever

Certain allergens can cause irritation in the nose. Since you will often sneeze and feel congested more when you are suffering from an allergy attack, the excess wiping or blowing your nose can be the reason for what causes nosebleeds for you.

Colds

Just like allergies, having a cold will often mean your nose is suffering from continuous blowing and rubbings. This can cause the blood vessels in the nose to not only become irritated but break as well.

Broken nose

When there is a break near the bridge of the nose or to the cartilage of the nose, your nose will often bleed. Broken noses can occur from any amount of trauma to the nose and aside from nosebleeds, you will also notice pain, disfigurement of the nose, swelling, or bruising as well.

Von Willebrand Disease

This is a type of bleeding disorder where you have a deficiency in the protein which helps blood clot properly. There are three different types of von Willebrand disease that range from minor to severe.

Fracture to the skull

If you have suffered from a serious head injury and you notice your nose bleeding, this can be due to a fracture to the skull. Fractures are not easy to see and when you have bleeding from the nose or ears, this is one of the symptoms from a skull fracture that will also be accompanied with swelling or bruising of the face.

Thrombocytopenia

If you have a low platelet count, you may suffer from thrombocytopenia which can result in excessive bleeding. Without the proper amount of platelets, which are found in your blood, your blood is unable to clot properly. This can result in prolonged nosebleeds that are difficult to stop.

What causes nosebleeds? As discussed above, it can be the result of many different factors, but the first thing you should do when they occur is to title your head forward slightly. If any blood gathers in your mouth, you want to spit it out and blow your nose to remove any blood clots out the nose. Then follow the instruction below. 

1. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch together the soft part of the nose.

2. Breathe through your mouth so you can press the pinched area of the nose in towards the face.

3. Pinch the nose for at least five minutes before checking to see if the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding continues, then repeat the process until you nose is no longer bleeding.

4. Avoid lying down. You want to keep the head above the heart, sit if you need to, but do not lay down.
5. Wrap ice in a towel and apply it to the nose and cheeks.
6. Certain nasal sprays can help clear congestion caused by minor nose bleeds. You should only use these nasal sprays for three days at a time and you should avoid using them if you have high blood pressure.

While most nosebleeds are often minor issues, they can be the result of another serious health problem or injury. If you suffer from a nosebleed and have any of these additional symptoms below, you'll want to seek medical attention immediately.

• You were in a recent car accident.

• The nosebleed produces a significant amount of blood.

• You have difficulty breathing.

• The nosebleeds continue for longer than thirty minutes.

• It occurs in children under the age of two.

What causes nosebleeds? It can be due to serious head trauma or health problems, so it is advised that when seeking medical attention, do not drive yourself. Instead, call 911 or ask someone else to drive you.

If you have frequent nosebleeds or have trouble stopping your nosebleeds once they start, you will also want to consult you doctor to help determine what could be the underlying problem.