Nosebleeds: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Nosebleeds can be alarming, but they are rarely serious. Understanding the common causes of nosebleeds and knowing how to treat and prevent them can help you stay calm and take the right steps when they occur.

Common Causes of Nosebleeds

Several factors can trigger a nosebleed, including:

• Dry air, either from indoor heating or hot, low-humidity climates

• Picking your nose

• Blowing your nose too hard or too often

• Injuries caused by falls or blows to the nose

• Side effects of medications, such as blood thinners

• Allergies

• High altitudes, where the air is thin

How to Stop a Nosebleed

Most nosebleeds can be treated at home by following these steps:

1. Stay calm and try to relax, as nervousness can increase bleeding.

2. Sit up and keep your head above your heart.

3. Lean slightly forward to prevent blood from draining down your throat.

4. Pinch your nostrils closed using your thumb and index finger for 5 to 10 minutes while breathing through your mouth.

5. Once the bleeding has stopped, avoid touching or blowing your nose, as this may restart the bleeding.

If the bleeding restarts, gently blow your nose to remove any blood clots and spray a decongestant like oxymetazoline (Afrin, Mucinex, or Vicks Sinex) in both nostrils. Then, pinch your nostrils shut and breathe through your mouth for another 5 to 10 minutes.

When to Seek Medical Help

Contact your doctor if:

• You have fallen or hit your nose on something

• You experience frequent nosebleeds

• Your nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes, even after applying pressure

• The bleeding is so heavy that it's difficult to breathe

• You are taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder

If your doctor cannot stop the nosebleed with pressure, they may try cauterization (burning a blood vessel closed) or packing (inserting a latex balloon or gauze into your nostril to apply pressure on the bleeding vessel).

Preventing Nosebleeds

While not all nosebleeds can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Keep the inside of your nose moist by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment with a cotton swab three times a day

• Use a saline nasal spray to maintain moisture in your nostrils

• Use a humidifier to prevent dry air in your home

• Avoid smoking, as it can irritate and dry out your nasal passages

• Don't pick your nose or blow or rub it too hard

• Limit the use of cold and allergy medications, as they can dry out your nose

In some cases, certain medications may cause or worsen nosebleeds. Discuss your medications with your doctor, but continue taking them unless instructed otherwise.

By understanding the causes, treatment, and prevention of nosebleeds, you can better manage these common occurrences and minimize their impact on your daily life.

For more information on nosebleeds, visit:

• Mayo Clinic - Nosebleeds

• Healthline - Nosebleeds

• WebMD - Nosebleeds: Causes and Treatments