A nosebleed is a common occurrence among children, teens, and adults. Usually one-sided, a nosebleed typically is not serious. However, in some cases, people should seek treatment for nosebleeds from a qualified ENT physician.
Let’s explore why nosebleeds happen, when to see an otolaryngologist, and what your treatment options may be.
How Many People Get Nosebleeds?
A nosebleed, or epistaxis, happens at least once in about 60 percent of Americans. Usually, it involves a minor amount of blood draining from just one nostril.
The bleeding may appear profuse. However, it is not usually a large amount of blood. Plus, the nosebleed does not last long–a scant few minutes only.
What Causes Nosebleeds in Children and Adults?
The lining of the inside of the nose is very thin and sensitive. It contains many small blood vessels, which may rupture or break sometimes, resulting in a nosebleed.
There are many possible causes for nosebleeds, including:
- Dry climates and very low indoor humidity
- Trauma to the nose from a fall or blow to the face
- Hard sneezing (it is best to sneeze through the mouth only)
- Frequent and hard nose-blowing
- Nose picking
- Structural problems, such as a deviated septum (the center partition within the nose is crooked and obstructive)
- Seasonal allergies which cause dryness, inflammation, and irritation
- Colds and flu with constant runny noses
- Sinus infections
- Frequent use of antihistamines, decongestants, and blood thinners, such as warfarin or aspirin
Some health conditions also cause nose bleeding, such as hypertension and blood clotting disorders, like hemophilia. Pregnancy can be a cause as a woman’s hormone levels rise and blood vessels expand.
What Should You Do About Frequent Nosebleeds?
If you are experiencing frequent nosebleeds or if a nosebleed lasts 20 minutes or more, seek medical attention. This is especially the case if your nose bleeds profusely after an injury, fall or car accident.
Your ENT doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history and any medications you take. The otolaryngologist also will look at your nasal and sinus cavities with a thin, lighted endoscope. X-rays or an MRI also may be ordered.
Depending on the cause of your frequent nosebleeds, treatment options may include cauterization to seal off broken blood vessels. Prescription medications can control bleeding, too. In some cases, lifestyle changes help decrease the frequency of nosebleeds. Examples include stopping smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.
Snorting drugs into the nose can cause a lot of nasal irritation. So, seek professional help for an addiction problem, if needed.
Other options to treat nosebleeds include:
- Nasal packing
- Tying off weak blood vessels in the nose and sinuses
- Adjustments to your blood thinning medications
- Surgical correction of a deviated septum, nasal fracture or congenital malformations of the nose
How Can I Prevent Nosebleeds?
Your ENT specialist recommends certain strategies to patients with many nosebleeds, including:
- Using a home humidifier to moisturize the air
- Drinking a lot of water daily
- Using moisturizing nasal drops
- Avoiding nose picking, hard nose blowing and sneezing with your mouth closed
- Controlling your seasonal allergies with medications and shots and avoiding triggers
- Wearing appropriate helmets and other protection when bike riding, skiing or playing contact sports, such as hockey and football
- Gently applying petroleum jelly inside your nose several times, a day to prevent drying of the nasal membranes
Nose Bleeding Treatment in Georgetown, TX
At Georgetown ENT, you will find the high-quality care you and your family need for a wide range of ear, nose, and throat problems, including nosebleeds. Dr. Scott William Franklin is our experienced and board-certified otolaryngologist and allergist with advanced training in sleep medicine.
Dr. Franklin and his team can determine the root cause of nosebleeds, helping you or your loved one breath better and feel good again.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (512) 869-0604 or fill out our appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
