There are two common types of nosebleeds:

  1. Dry air —You would not think this is possible but when your nasal lining dries out, they are left open wide and more susceptible to bleeding and infections.
  2. Nose picking—Yes your nose-picking friends and family can pick your nose to bleed.

Other causes of nosebleeds include:

  1. Acute sinusitis (sinus infection)
  2. Allergies
  3. Aspirin use
  4. Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia
  5. Blood thinners, such as coumadin and heparin
  6. Chemical irritants, such as ammonia, peroxides
  7. Chronic infectious sinusitis
  8. Cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin use
  9. Common cold, RSV
  10. Malformations such as a deviated septum
  11. Injury, Trauma and Foreign body in the nose
  12. Over the counter and prescribed RX SUCH AS Nasal sprays, such as those used to treat allergies, if used frequently
  13. Non-allergic rhinitis WHICH IS COUGHING OUTSIDE OF AN ALLERGY CAUSE

Of course, there are more causes but less common.

  1. Alcohol use 
  2. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
  3. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) or low platelets
  4. Leukemia or blood cancers
  5. Nasal and paranasal tumors or cancer
  6. Nasal polyps or bumps in the nasal passage
  7. Nasal surgery to clear out the inside
  8. Pregnancy most likely from high blood pressure
  9. Hemorrhagic Fever such as Ebola virus

Chronic or prolonged bleeding may cause anemia so it is important to see an ENT specialist try to stop. They may intervene by a chemical or even cauterize the vessels in the nose that are bleeding. 

All of our ENT specialists have the experience here at SLENT to take great care and follow up management of this problem. If you or your loved one is having chronic nosebleeds please give us a call and let us take care of you.