Recurring nosebleeds

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Recurring nosebleeds

Nosebleeds that recur often are commonly caused by bleeding from the front of the nose (anterior epistaxis). Common causes of this type of nosebleed are:

• Blowing or picking the nose.
• Structural problems in the nose, either present from birth (congenital) or caused by an injury.
• Low humidity.
• Minor health problems, such as colds or allergies.
• Minor injuries to the nose.
• Medicines. Examples include:
  • Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
  • Antihistamines, decongestants, and medicated nasal sprays that dry the tissue of the nose and sinuses.
  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin.

Recurring nosebleeds can also be caused by:

• Rupture of the blood vessels that are very close to the surface of the lining of the nose.
• An abnormal growth (polyp or tumor) in the nose or sinuses.
• Health conditions that affect normal blood clotting.
• Abnormal blood vessels in the nose, such as with Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. This syndrome is passed in families (inherited). The abnormal blood vessels make it hard to control a nosebleed.

A nosebleed that recurs 4 times or more in a week needs medical evaluation to determine the seriousness of the problem. A nosebleed that recurs 2 to 3 times in a month may mean that a chronic condition such as allergies is causing the nosebleeds.

When nosebleeds cannot be controlled by home treatment, you need an evaluation by your health professional.

Credits

Last updated:	April 20, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer