Common and typically harmless, nosebleeds affect people of all ages. They occur when the delicate nasal membrane and blood vessels break and are often associated with dry air, allergies, or habitual nose-picking. Even though nosebleeds are rarely serious, frequent or severe nosebleeds accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or blood loss that don’t stop within 20 minutes may indicate underlying health issues requiring immediate medical attention. Our board-certified otolaryngologists specialize in diagnosing and treating the cause of your nosebleeds at our Arizona locations.
What causes nosebleeds?
Most nosebleeds, especially in children, occur at the front of the nose (anterior nosebleed) when fragile capillaries and vessels break and bleed. Some nosebleeds start deep in the nose (posterior nosebleed) and involve larger blood vessels near the throat. These are more likely in adults and may include heavier bleeding than a typical nosebleed. Rarely, tumors in the nose can cause nosebleeds.
Besides suffering a traumatic injury to the nose, the most common causes of anterior nosebleeds include:
Dry air: Whether you live in an arid climate or use indoor heating during the winter, exposure to dry air saps moisture from nasal membranes, making them more susceptible to bleeding.
Infections: Upper respiratory infections, such as colds or sinusitis, can cause inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages, leading to nosebleeds. Chronic sinus infections can particularly contribute to recurrent nosebleeds.
Allergies: Hay fever causes frequent sneezing and nasal congestion, which may lead to nosebleeds. The inflammation and irritation from allergens can weaken the blood vessels in the nose.
Medications: Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) affect blood clotting, increasing the likelihood of nosebleeds. Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids can also contribute to nasal dryness and bleeding.
Structural abnormalities: Structural issues and masses within the nasal cavity, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, can disrupt normal airflow and cause irritation. These abnormalities may require surgical intervention to correct them.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
When To See a Physician for Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds rarely require medical attention. Most resolve on their own within a few minutes, especially when they occur at the front of the nose. There are 3 general reasons for seeing a physician for nosebleeds:
- When they last longer than 20 to 30 minutes
- They become more frequent
- You have a bleeding disorder
Diagnosing Nosebleeds
If you do need to see a physician for nosebleeds, your doctor will ask how long the bleeding lasted, how often you get nosebleeds, and whether the bleeding involved one or both nostrils. The physician will examine your nasal passages and may order imaging evaluations, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Your doctor may also order blood tests to rule out blood clotting disorders.
Treating Nosebleeds
To stop nosebleeds at home, keep your head in a neutral position, leaning slightly forward (don’t tilt your head back), and pinch the low, soft part of the nose, holding it firmly for 10 minutes. It’s important to stay calm. Reassure children with nosebleeds that the bleeding will stop soon. Keeping the nasal passages moist with over-the-counter nasal moisturizers or humidifiers can prevent dryness and irritation.
Additional nosebleed treatments include:
Medications: Topical nasal medications, such as antibiotic ointments or nasal sprays containing saline, help reduce inflammation, remove crusting, and promote healing of the nasal lining. In cases where blood thinners contribute to nosebleeds, adjusting the medication dosage under medical supervision may be necessary.
Cauterization: A physician may use a chemical or electrical device to burn and seal the affected blood vessels in the nose. This treatment is effective for recurrent nosebleeds and is typically performed in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia.
Packing: Severe bleeding may require nasal packing to hold pressure against the source of bleeding and allow the body time to heal.
Surgical intervention: Severe or persistent nosebleeds that do not respond to other treatments may require surgery. Procedures such as septoplasty (to correct a deviated septum) or removal of nasal polyps can address structural issues contributing to nosebleeds.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Nosebleeds, while often benign, can sometimes signal more serious health issues. Understanding the causes and available treatments can help manage and prevent future episodes. If you experience frequent or severe nosebleeds, consult an otolaryngologist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized care plan.