Frequent nosebleeds can be more than just a hassle; they can be a cause of aggravation and worry, particularly when they occur at inconvenient times like during meetings or social events. For many individuals, the abrupt onset of a nosebleed can be alarming, particularly when there’s no immediate reason as to why it’s occurring. You may be wondering what’s causing and how to prevent your nosebleeds if you have them. Let’s look at some potential reasons why your nose keeps bleeding, and when it’s time to get help from an ENT specialist.
Common nosebleed causes
While occasional nosebleeds are quite common, particularly during cold or dry weather, persistent or frequent episodes can suggest underlying issues. If your nose is bleeding more frequently than it should, you might be dealing with one of the following causes.
Hot or dry air
The sensitive lining of your nostrils can dry out if the air is particularly dry, especially during the winter, or when the air is hot. In these situations, the blood vessels in your nose break, causing nosebleeds. In these cases, the solution can be as basic as making use of a humidifier in your house or office to keep moisture in the air and protect the nasal lining.
Irritants and allergens
Environmental irritants like smoke, dust, strong odors, and pollution can inflame and damage the nasal passages, making nosebleeds more likely. If you’re allergic to compounds such as pollen, pet dander, or mold, your nasal passages could swell, further aggravating the risk of nosebleeds. Determining and avoiding allergens, or utilizing nasal sprays or antihistamines to control inflammation, can help decrease your exposure to irritants and prevent bleeding episodes.
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that form in the sinuses or nasal passages. Airflow can be impeded by these polyps causing irritation and sometimes bleeding. Medical treatment might be necessary if you choose to disregard these polyps. Your ENT can recommend the appropriate course of treatment after assessing your nasal passage. Treatment could include the use of medication or possibly polyp removal surgery.
Injury or trauma
Physical trauma, including aggressively blowing your nose, frequent rubbing, or even picking your nose, can directly damage the blood vessels in the nasal passages, leading to a nosebleed. To avoid further injury, be cautious when blowing your nose, and avoid picking or scratching inside your nostrils.
High blood pressure
The probability of getting a nosebleed is elevated by high blood pressure (hypertension) which can damage the blood vessels in the nasal passages. Keeping your blood pressure under control through lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, exercise, and medication, when prescribed, can help reduce the likelihood of frequent nosebleeds.
Blood clotting disorders
Certain medical conditions that impact your blood’s ability to clot, including hemophilia or vitamin K deficiency, can contribute to frequent nosebleeds. If you think that a clotting disorder may be the cause of your nosebleeds, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis. Reducing bleeding and managing this condition may require medication.
If you have frequent nosebleeds, it’s important to get medical help
Most of the time nosebleeds are nothing to worry about, but if they happen frequently, nosebleeds may indicate an underlying medical problem. You should talk to an ENT if you’re experiencing frequent nosebleeds for the following reasons:
Accurately diagnosing nose bleeds
The cause of your nosebleed can be precisely identified after we carry out a thorough evaluation. We will eliminate physiological issues and clotting conditions with a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and possibly further tests like blood work or imaging.
Individualized treatment
Your doctor will help you formulate a treatment strategy once they identify the root cause of your nose bleeds. This could involve addressing the root cause, such as managing allergies, using medications to control nasal irritation, or in some instances, performing a procedure like cauterization to seal the blood vessels responsible for the bleeding.
Preventative measures
We might tell you to moisturize your nasal passages with saline sprays, manage high blood pressure and allergies, and avoid nasal irritants like strong chemicals and smoke in order to avoid future nose bleeds. Your risk of frequent nosebleeds can be significantly reduced with lifestyle changes.
Ongoing monitoring
If your nosebleeds are connected to a medical condition, your ENT specialist will provide ongoing monitoring and adjust your treatment as required. Underlying conditions can be well-managed and you will have fewer nose bleeds by attending regular follow-up visits.
Peace of mind
Visiting with us can provide reassurance that your nosebleeds are being properly addressed.
Even if they are not serious, it’s always helpful to have a professional assess the situation. Knowing that your nosebleeds are being correctly managed and that future nose bleeds are under control can be very reassuring.
Get the assistance you need
Nosebleeds, while uncomfortable, are normally not cause for worry. However, it’s essential to get to the bottom of the problem if you’re dealing with recurring episodes. Our ENT specialists can diagnose and treat nosebleeds whether the cause is as simple as dry air or something more involved like high blood pressure or nasal polyps.
Don’t allow your life to be interrupted by regular nose bleeds. If you’re tired of dealing with this continual problem, contact us today, we can offer individualized care and help you prevent those nosebleeds for good.