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Nosebleeds
About this symptom
Most nosebleeds are not usually serious and can be stopped with home treatment. Most nosebleeds occur in the front of the nose (anterior epistaxis) and involve only one nostril. Some blood may drain down the back of the nose into the throat. Many things may make a nosebleed more likely.
- Changes in the environment. For example:
- Cold, dry climates; low humidity
- High altitude
- Chemical fumes
- Smoke
- Injury to the nose. For example:
- Hitting or bumping the nose
- Blowing or picking the nose
- Piercing the nose
- An object in the nose. This is more common in children, who may put things up their noses, but may be found in adults, especially after an automobile accident, when a piece of glass may have entered the nose.
- Medical problems. For example:
- An abnormal structure inside the nose, such
as
nasal polyps or a
deviated nasal septum
- Colds, allergies, or sinus infections
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, leukemia, thrombocytopenia, or von Willebrand's disease
- Abnormal blood vessels in the nose, such as with Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. This syndrome is passed in families (inherited). The abnormal blood vessels make it hard to control a nosebleed.
- An abnormal structure inside the nose, such
as
nasal polyps or a
deviated nasal septum
- Medicines. For example:
- Those that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, warfarin (such as Coumadin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), clopidogrel (Plavix), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Cold and allergy medicines
- Oxygen
- Nasal inhalers, such as Afrin
- Steroid nasal sprays
- Nasal abuse of illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
A less common but more serious type of nosebleed starts in the back of the nose (posterior epistaxis) and often involves both nostrils. Large amounts of blood may run down the back of the throat. Posterior epistaxis occurs more often in older adults because of other health conditions they may have. Medical treatment will be needed to control the bleeding from posterior epistaxis.
Use the Check Your Symptoms section to decide if and when you should see a doctor.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: March 22, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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