What Causes Nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds are fairly common and have a variety of potential causes. There are two types of nosebleeds.
Anterior nosebleeds start in the front of your nose and drip out of one or both nostrils. Posterior nosebleeds occur deeper in your nasal cavities and can cause bleeding that flows down your throat, even when you're lying down.
Both types of nosebleeds are often due to irritation of the blood vessels in your nose. For example, you could scratch the inside of your nose or have dry nasal cavities because of dry air or decongestants.
If you experience chronic or frequent nosebleeds, they could be due to:
- Allergies or infections that lead to scratching or picking your nose
- Vigorous nose-blowing
- Blood disorders like hemophilia
- Medications that prevent clotting
- Benign and malignant tumors
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a disorder that causes birthmark-like blood vessel growth in your nose that is prone to bleeding. Conditions like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis can also contribute to chronic nosebleeds.
Occasional or minor nosebleeds may not be a serious issue, but if you suffer from them frequently, our providers at Beach Cities ENTS can help identify the cause and prevent future bleeding. Schedule a consultation with our ENT specialists in Torrance or El Segundo, CA to learn more.
When Should I See a Doctor About Nosebleeds?
You should talk to the team at Beach Cities ENTS if you have nosebleeds following a blow to the face or a head injury. You could have a fracture or another injury that's irritating the soft tissue in your nasal cavities.
Additionally, if you have nosebleeds frequently, you should make an appointment, as the bleeding could be a sign of a serious health condition. You should also talk to a doctor about any nosebleeds that last longer than 20 minutes.
How Are Nosebleeds Treated?
When you get a nosebleed, stay calm — nosebleeds often look more alarming than they are. Sit down and lean forward slightly. You want to make sure that the blood drains out of your nose and not down your throat. You can use your thumb and forefinger to put gentle pressure on your nose until the bleeding stops.
However, if you have chronic nosebleeds, your doctor at Beach Cities ENTS can provide exams and testing, including blood tests, endoscopy, MRIs, or CT scans, to diagnose the cause of your bleeding. We also offer customized treatments to address the underlying condition.
If you're concerned about frequent nosebleeds, call Beach Cities ENTS in Torrance or El Segundo, CA or make an appointment online today.
Beach Cities ENTS Reviews
Very knowledgeable and personable - She has been seeing our son since he was one year old for ongoing ENT-related issues. She has helped us navigate complicated issues and seems to favor lowest level of intervention medically required, which we prefer. She always seems genuinely happy to see her patients and she is good with him. We will continue to see her only as long as she is practicing.
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Dr. Levine was great. My Son had surgery and he made us feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process. He even called on a Sunday to see how he was doing. He was professional, caring, and took the time to answer all of our questions. I am in healthcare and am really particular. The office staff was also friendly, welcoming, and efficient, making every visit a pleasant experience. I highly recommend Dr.Levine and his entire team.
I highly recommend the clinic staff for the great job and their passions that they show to their patients, in and out! thank you guys!!!
Excellent. Got in at my exact scheduled time. Staff is awesome.
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Nosebleed Treatment FAQ
How can you stop a nosebleed at home?
Most nosebleeds can be managed by sitting upright, leaning slightly forward, and gently pinching the soft part of the nose for 10 to 15 minutes without checking too soon. Avoid tilting your head backward, as this may cause blood to drain into the throat. If bleeding continues despite these measures, seek medical evaluation.
Can allergies increase the risk of nosebleeds?
Seasonal allergies and chronic nasal inflammation can irritate the lining of the nose, and frequent rubbing or blowing may increase the likelihood of bleeding. Managing allergies effectively may help reduce the frequency of nosebleeds.
Can nosebleeds be prevented?
Many cases of nosebleed prevention involve keeping the nasal passages moist with saline sprays or gels, using a humidifier, avoiding nose picking, and treating allergies or sinus conditions. Patients who experience recurring episodes may benefit from an evaluation to identify preventable causes and discuss long-term nosebleed treatment options.