Nobody likes surprises – especially when they involve blood dripping from their nose at an inopportune moment. Yet nosebleeds, or epistaxis as medical professionals call them, are remarkably common, affecting about 60% of people at some point in their lives. While they can be alarming, these sudden nosebleed interruptions are usually more startling than serious.
Think of your nose as nature’s air filter, lined with delicate blood vessels that warm and humidify the air you breathe. These vessels sit close to the surface and can be easily damaged by anything from dry air to an enthusiastic sneeze. The result? A nosebleed that seems to arrive at the worst possible moment – during an important meeting, on a first date, or just as you’re drifting off to sleep.
The good news is that most nosebleeds can be easily managed at home, and understanding their causes can help prevent future episodes. Whether you’re a frequent bleeder looking for answers or just want to be prepared for the next surprise visit, Tryon Medical Partners family medicine specialist Nurse Practitioner Katie Green shares what nosebleeds are, how to prevent them, and how to stop a bloody nose.
What exactly is a nosebleed?
A nosebleed is when a blood vessel in the nose bursts and causes bleeding. Nosebleeds are common because the tissue in the nostrils is thin and on the inside, there are blood vessels right up against the tissue. When the vessels get irritated, the vessels will bleed through the thin tissue.
What causes nosebleeds?
Nurse Practitioner Green says the most common causes of nosebleeds are:
- Allergies. Allergies can cause nosebleeds because they can dry out and irritate the nasal membranes, which can weaken the blood vessels in your nose.
- Seasonal changes and dry air. Thin or dry air (sometimes at high altitudes) can cause nosebleeds because it dries out the nasal membranes, which can lead to crusting and small ruptures in the blood vessels.
- Nasal trauma. The nose has many blood vessels close to the surface. The septum, the wall that separates the nostrils, is especially vulnerable to broken blood vessels from a hit to the face or even a fingernail scratch.
- After concussions. After a severe blow to the head, blood vessels in the nose can rupture, or the brain can move and bump against the skull, causing a nosebleed.
- Hypertension. Although rare, severe hypertension can damage blood vessel walls, making them more likely to burst. This can cause heavy bleeding that’s difficult to stop.
- Hot weather. When it’s hot outside, blood vessels can become engorged with blood. This can often increase the likelihood of a nosebleed.
“Generally, if patients come in about nosebleeds, it’s fall or winter time,” Nurse Practitioner Green says. “When patients have allergies, and when the air is drier, nosebleeds are a lot more common.”
What are the best nosebleed treatments and how can I stop a bloody nose?
Nurse Practitioner Green’s recommendation is to:
- Pinch the nose at the top of the bridge, where the spongy part is, then hold your head forward.
- Hold the pinch for 10-15 minutes.
- Apply ice to the outside, which will cause vessels to constrict and slow the bleeding.
“I hear from patients all the time that they hold their head backward when they have a nosebleed,” Nurse Practitioner Green notes. “However, it’s best to hold your forward so that the blood doesn’t go to the back of the throat.”
How can I prevent a nosebleed?
The best way to address frequent nose bleeds is to solve the root causes. This means:
- If it’s hot outside and you’re prone to nosebleeds, stay cool in the shade and the air conditioning, if possible.
- If you have allergies, take allergy medication regularly and keep pollen off your clothes, hair, and outside of the house. Avoid irritants like smoke.
- If the air is dry, keep your nostrils moist with nasal saline spray, and a cool mist humidifier. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid nasal trauma by avoiding contact with the nose, especially the nostrils, whenever possible. Discourage nose picking with any children.
- If you have hypertension, start or stay on your medication.
When is it time to worry about a nosebleed?
Although a nosebleed every now and then isn’t cause for alarm, there are some situations in which Nurse Practitioner Green recommends seeking medical attention:
- If the nosebleed is accompanied by a head injury or potential concussion
- If you experience whiplash followed by a nosebleed
- If you have frequent nosebleeds that come out of nowhere
- If the nosebleeds become very heavy and/or the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, especially if accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness
“Not every nosebleed is a cause for alarm,” Nurse Practitioner Green emphasizes. “However, if you notice any of these symptoms alongside a nosebleed, it’s always better to see a clinician out of an abundance of caution.”
What is nose cauterization?
Nose cauterization seals off bleeding blood vessels in the nose to prevent future nosebleeds. It can also be used to improve breathing in certain situations. This is a tool that might be used in a situation when nosebleeds become too heavy and won’t stop. However, patients can’t perform nose cauterizations for themselves and should go to a trusted clinician to discuss this option.
If you still have questions about nosebleeds or are looking for a way to stop the flow, use MedChat or call Tryon Medical Partners to meet with a clinician today.