I Have Nosebleeds That Keep Happening β Should I Worry?
Recurring nosebleeds (epistaxis) are common. Here is when you should take them seriously.
Most nosebleeds are from the front of the nose (anterior epistaxis) and are easy to manage. The inside of the nose has many tiny blood vessels close to the surface that can break easily.
- Common causes include:
- Dry air β low humidity dries out the nasal lining, especially in winter or in air-conditioned rooms
- Nose picking β the most common cause in children
- Allergies or colds β frequent nose blowing irritates blood vessels
- Nasal sprays β overuse of steroid or decongestant sprays
- Blood thinners β aspirin, warfarin, or other anticoagulants
- High blood pressure β can make nosebleeds harder to stop
- Nasal polyps or tumors β less common, but a growth in the nose can cause recurrent bleeding
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Bleeding from the front of one nostril
- Stops with pressure within 10β15 minutes
- Only happens occasionally
- Related to dry air or minor irritation
- Worth having checked:
- Nosebleeds that are frequent (more than once a week)
- Bleeding that is hard to stop or lasts more than 20 minutes
- Bleeding from the back of the nose (blood runs down the throat)
- Nosebleeds accompanied by one-sided nasal congestion
- You are on blood thinners and have frequent bleeds
- Only from one nostril repeatedly
When to See a Doctor
- See an ENT doctor if:
- You have frequent nosebleeds that are hard to control
- The bleeding is always from the same nostril
- You have one-sided nasal congestion along with nosebleeds
- You are on blood thinners
- You have a lump or growth in your nose
- You feel lightheaded or dizzy from blood loss