Nosebleed: causes

Nosebleeds are a fairly common problem. They are twice as common in children as in adults. Children tend to have bleeding from the front portion of the nose. Adults are more likely than children to have bleeding from the back of the nose, which can be more serious. Almost all nosebleeds are minor problems. They may look worse than they really are. Sometimes, however, they can develop into emergencies.

There are several causes of bleeding, including:

• injury to the nose, such as a punch, car accident, or being hit with an object
• nose picking or putting other objects in the nose
• dry air, often caused by indoor heat
• a violent sneeze or blowing the nose
• drug abuse, such as cocaine or glue sniffing
• colds, allergies or sinus infections
• small growths in the nose called polyps *
• medications that interfere with clotting or blood disorders
• high blood pressure
• certain cancers and
• unknown cause

Bleeding from the front of the nose is usually not serious. The blood is bright red. It can be scary but try to keep the person calm. You can usually stop the bleeding yourself. Sit down and lean slightly forward. Keep the head above the level of the heart so blood drains out of the nose instead of going down the throat. Gently blow out any collected blood. Using the thumb and index finger, squeeze the nostrils together for 5 full minutes according to a clock. Apply pressure on the soft, movable part of the nose, just below the bony part. If it still continues to bleed, hold it again for another 5 full minutes. Once the bleeding stops you can put a cold compress over the bridge of your nose for 10 to15 minutes. Avoid nose picking, bending, lifting, sneezing, and nose blowing that may make the bleeding start again.

If bleeding does not stop after 2 attempts of 5 full minutes each, see your healthcare provider right away or go to an emergency department or urgent care center. The bleeding may be from an area high and deep within the nose that will not be stopped with external pressure. See your provider if you have 3 or more nosebleeds in a week.

To help prevent nosebleeds, keep the lining of your nose moist. Gently apply a light coating of petroleum jelly inside your nose or use a normal saline spray twice a day. During the winter or in dry climates, use a humidifier at night in the bedroom. Do not smoke. Smoking dries out the nose and irritates the lining. It also helps to keep your nose open when you sneeze.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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