Subscribe to our blogs

Reviewed by

Dr. Satish Kumar M.G

Consultant - Internal Medicine

Manipal Hospitals, Mysuru

Book Appointment

What Causes Nosebleeds And When To Worry?

Reviewed by:

What most people call “nosebleeds” has a medical term referred to as epistaxis. It is a frequent phenomenon that people face at some stage. Although not always critical, it causes people much concern and can be a sign of different underlying diseases. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, the correct management procedures, and when to consult a doctor. We aim to reduce unnecessary worries so that proper action can be taken.

What Causes Nosebleeds?

Epistaxis or nose bleeds happen because there are many fragile blood vessels present in our nose. These vessels bleed easily in warm, dry air or after exercise. Other factors that can cause epistaxis include:

An infection of the nose lining, sinuses, or adenoids
An allergy that causes hay fever or coughing
Accidental injuries, which can include any forceful impact or simple actions like nose-picking, can lead to bleeding.
Drugs affecting blood consistency, such as anticoagulants or nasal sprays, can heighten the risk.
Occasionally, a bleeding or clotting problem
Medical conditions like high BP, Nasal tumours, or polyps

What to Do During a Nosebleed?

If you experience a nosebleed, here are the steps to take:

To manage a nose bleed include:

Reassure the person, especially children, as crying increases blood flow.
Sit the person up straight and drop their head slightly forward. This prevents blood from going into the back of your throat and can cause choking or coughing. This coughing, then, in turn, can put more pressure on your tiny vessels of the nose and increase the bleeding.
Pinch your nose firmly below the bone continuously for 5-10 minutes. This applies pressure to the bleeding point on the nasal septum.
Breathe through your mouth, and don't let go until the bleeding stops.
If bleeding persists after 20 minutes, repeat the process or seek medical attention.
Avoid picking or blowing your nose for several hours, even after the bleeding stops.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

If the nosebleed does not stop within 15-20 minutes, or if it is severe, you should seek immediate medical attention. Here are some situations when you should rush to the hospital.

Regular Episodes: If nosebleeds become a regular occurrence, it's time to consult a doctor.
Mysterious Origins: When there's no clear cause behind the nosebleed, a medical check-up becomes essential.
Persistent Bleeding: A nosebleed that doesn't cease might indicate a deeper issue.
Existing Health Concerns: People with conditions that affect blood clotting or those on specific medications should always reach out to a medical professional during nosebleeds.

Consult our internal medicine specialist in Mysore if you need epistaxis treatments.

How to Stop Nose Bleeding

To prevent nose bleeds:

Gently blow your nose into a soft tissue
Keep the inside of your nose moist with saline (saltwater) nasal spray or gel.
Cut short your fingernails.
Keep fingers and objects out of your nose.
Avoid rubbing your nose.
Use a vaporiser or a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
Apply a saline gel, antibiotic ointment, or petroleum jelly on the inside of your nose.
Supplement vitamin C from natural foods such as fruits, bell peppers, and guava
Avoid dropping your head below your heart or lifting anything heavy for many hours.

Consult our internal medicine hospital in Mysore if need more information on how to stop epistaxis.

Management of Epistaxis

If you visit a specialist with the problem of epistaxis, your medical history will be examined. If you are taking any blood thinners or anti-platelet agents, the doctor may advise you to stop them for a week or so. If the patient arrives while there is still bleeding, in order to stop the bleeding, the doctor might

Initially, the direct pressure technique is used. Where the doctor also tries to pinch the nose for a minute to stop bleeding if it is not controlled
Nasal Packs or Tampons can be inserted into the nasal cavity to compress the bleeding site.
Agents like oxymetazoline or phenylephrine are topical vasoconstrictors. They can be applied topically to constrict the blood vessels and stop bleeding.

Advanced Medical Interventions

Cauterisation: Electric cauterisation can be effective for identifiable bleeders, especially in the anterior septum.
Anterior Nasal Packing: If direct pressure and topical agents don't control the bleed, anterior nasal packing may be required. This involves placing a more extensive pack or balloon device into the anterior nasal cavity.

Conclusion

Remember, the key to managing a nosebleed is staying calm and applying direct pressure for 10 minutes. If bleeding persists, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

FAQ's

What should I do if I get a nosebleed?

Sit upright, pinch your nose below the bone for 10 minutes, and breathe through your mouth. Apply ice to the bridge of your nose. If bleeding continues, seek medical attention.

Can nosebleeds be a sign of an underlying health condition?

In some cases, yes. Nosebleeds can be a symptom of underlying conditions like high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, or nasal tumours. If nosebleeds become frequent or severe, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.