Frequent nosebleeds: possible causes and rules of care

Due to the peculiarities of the location of the nose and the large number of blood vessels located in this part of the face, every person at least once in his life has experienced nosebleeds. Physicians use the special term – epistaxis. Despite the fact that epistaskis in most cases does not pose a threat to the life of the patient, frequent nosebleeds may indicate the presence of certain diseases and pathologies. Therefore, estet-portal.com offers to understand the causes of such bleeding, learn how to stop nosebleeds, and also learn how to prevent recurrent nosebleeds.

When do frequent nosebleeds occur?

Most often, nosebleeds are caused by local trauma, the presence of foreign bodies in the nose, infections, and prolonged exposure to dry air.  

Spontaneous nosebleeds – extremely common, especially in children. When the mucosa (mucus-secreting tissue in the nose) dries out or becomes damaged, the chance of bleeding increases significantly.

Because there are many blood vessels in the nose, profuse bleeding can be caused by even minor trauma to the face.

Frequent nosebleeds are also seen in people taking anticoagulants (blood thinners such as aspirin) and in older patients whose blood takes longer to clot. In case of taking anticoagulants, hypertension (high blood pressure) or blood clotting disorders, nosebleeds are difficult to stop – this may take more than 20 minutes.

Where the blood flows from: types of nosebleeds depending on the localization

Depending on the location of the source, bleeding can be:

1. Anterior (arise in the area of ​​the lower part of the nasal septum - a kind of wall separating two nostrils). In this area of ​​the nose there is a dense network of blood vessels, to which blood comes from the carotid arteries, passing in front of the neck and supplying blood to the head and neck. Even a small blow can cause damage to delicate vessels in this area. As a rule, you can stop anterior nosebleeds without resorting to medical help. It is these frequent nosebleeds that in most cases occur in children and are not life-threatening.
2. Posterior (occur when larger vessels located higher and deeper are damaged). Such nosebleeds are a serious problem that requires the attention of a doctor due to the loss of large volumes of blood and the difficulty in stopping. Posterior nosebleeds are more common in adults.

Posterior nosebleeds are much more dangerous than anterior ones and require specialist attention!

Why blood flows: causes of spontaneous and frequent nosebleeds

There are a number of reasons that can lead to spontaneous and frequent nosebleeds. These include:

• blowing too hard;
• nose-picking habit;
• injuries;
• sinusitis;
• cold or flu (due to irritation and sensitivity of the mucous membranes, as well as frequent need to blow your nose);
• curvature or displacement of the nasal septum;
• climate features (hot climate with low humidity or sudden temperature changes);
• high altitude above sea level;
• allergic reactions;
• medication (anticoagulants, NSAIDs);
• liver disease;
• taking drugs (such as cocaine).
• hypertension;
• rhinoplasty;
• calcium deficiency;
• exposure to chemicals;
• hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• blood clotting disorder;
• hormonal imbalances;
• Neoplasms in the nasal cavity;
• alcohol abuse
• infectious diseases.

The list of causes of bleeding is quite impressive, therefore, in case of frequent nosebleeds, estet-portal.com recommends consulting a doctor to exclude the presence of serious diseases, especially if, in addition to hemorrhages, you are concerned about any other symptoms.

How to stop a nosebleed on your own, and when to see a doctor?

Everyone, especially those who experience frequent nosebleeds, should know how to stop the bleeding. For this you need:

• sit down and slightly tilt your head forward, however, so that it is not below the level of the heart; this is necessary to avoid the flow of blood into the sinuses and throat, which can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea;
• breathe through your mouth;
• using the thumb and forefinger, pinch the wings of the nose with moderate force and press them against the nasal septum;
• put a cold object on the bridge of your nose, for example, ice wrapped in a towel, a towel soaked in cold water;
• wait 5–7 minutes while continuing to breathe through your mouth and maintaining the indicated position;
• if necessary, special nasal sprays designed to constrict blood vessels can be used;
• You can also insert a swab soaked in a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide into the nostril.

If the bleeding has not stopped after 15-20 minutes, or if the bleeding is too profuse, don't delay – call an ambulance!

You should also consult a doctor if:

• frequent nosebleeds;
• significant blood loss;
• if bleeding is caused by trauma;
• if, despite tilting the head forward, blood still continues to flow into the throat (this may indicate posterior bleeding, which requires the attention of specialists);
• if you experience frequent nosebleeds after taking a certain medication;
• if you are concerned about other symptoms that may indicate the presence of diseases.

Remember to tilt your head back, take a horizontal position, or lift your legs!

If the bleeding has not stopped after 15-20 minutes, or if the bleeding is too profuse, don't delay – call an ambulance!

To reduce the risk of recurrent nosebleeds:

• try to avoid injury;
• start treatment of diseases in a timely manner;
• Use a humidifier;
• moisturize the nasal mucosa;
• avoid exposure to toxic substances.

See also: Visually about the important: first aid in pictures

A person who suffers from frequent nosebleeds should definitely consult a doctor – he will be able to determine the cause of this problem and prescribe adequate treatment, which will help prevent repeated bleeding.