Frequent Nosebleeds? When Should You Be Concerned
Each week we answer questions from readers about their symptoms. A reader wrote and said they’ve been getting nosebleeds more often than usual, sometimes out of nowhere, and they want to know what causes this and when it stops being just one of those things.
The first thing to know is that nosebleeds are very common. Yale Medicine states that up to 60 million people in the United States have them each year. It also points out that they happen more often in winter, when cold weather and indoor heat dry out the nasal passages.
To further highlight how common nosebleeds are, the Cleveland Clinic reports that about 6 in 10 people will have at least one nosebleed at some point in life. The majority are minor and can be managed easily at home.
Finally, ColumbiaDoctors adds that most adults have had a nosebleed at some point in their lives, and about 15% deal with them as a regular problem.
Epistaxis, the medical term for a nosebleed
Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. It refers to bleeding from the tissue lining the inside of the nose. This is where small blood vessels sit very close to the surface. It can happen in one nostril or both, though one side is more common.
There are two types of nosebleeds:
- Anterior nosebleeds start toward the front of the nose and are the most common.
- Posterior nosebleeds happen deeper in the nose and can bleed more heavily, sometimes sending blood toward the throat.
Knowing the difference is important, as a posterior nosebleed may need prompt medical care.
What can cause nosebleeds
The Mayo Clinic highlights the most common causes of nosebleeds:
- Dry air
- Nose picking
However, it also lists injuries, allergies, colds, sinus problems, blood thinners like warfarin and heparin, and bleeding disorders as causes of nosebleeds.
It even states that frequent nasal spray use can be a cause.
The dry air may surprise many people. Yet, many adult nosebleeds come from the front part of the nose, an area called Kiesselbach’s plexus. This is where several blood vessels meet, and cold, dry air, a deviated septum, and irritation over time can all set the stage for repeat bleeding.
Symptoms for when it might be more than a nosebleed?
The Mayo Clinic says immediate medical attention is needed if a nosebleed follows an injury, involves a lot of blood, makes it hard to breathe, or lasts longer than 30 minutes.
It also flags nosebleeds in children younger than 2 as a reason for urgent evaluation.
The Cleveland Clinic states that frequent nosebleeds, plus weakness, faintness, tiredness, shortness of breath, pale skin, or unusual bruising, can be a warning sign of something more serious and should be checked.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor.Additionally, Columbia Radiology highlights that nosebleeds that run in families, keep happening, or come with tiny red spots on the skin may point to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). This can be missed for years, and if it’s what you’re experiencing, make sure your doctor is aware.
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