There are two kinds of nose bleeds based on the bleeding location:
- An anterior nose bleed. This condition occurs when the blood vessels in the front of the nose break and bleed. In this condition, blood flows down directly through the nostril.
- A posterior nose bleed. This condition occurs in the back or the deepest part of the nose which leads the blood flows down the back of the throat. Posterior nose bleeds can be dangerous since it’s not easily noticeable.
The cause of the nose bleed can vary. These are 11 Reasons Why You Have a Nose Bleed that you need to know. See also: Nose Picking Effects for Health
1. Dry air
The number one reason why you have a nose bleed is that you get it from the dry air in your environment. How can dry air lead to nose bleeds? Human nostril contains an array of delicate mucus membranes.
The function of these membranes is to produce mucus, which blocks out dust and other impurities from entering the sinus cavity. Being exposed to dry air over a prolonged length of time makes these mucus membranes become dry so much that it causes them to crack open. When the cracks happen it results in nose bleeds.
2. Nose picking
The next common reason why you have a nose bleed is the habit of nose picking. Since nose bleed occurs because a blood vessel inside your nose breaks, inserting anything into the nostrils can cause irritation that can lead to bleeding, One of the most common things that get inside your nostrils are your fingers. The habit of nose picking can erode the blood vessels causing them to be more fragile and crack easily.
3. Chronic sinusitis
The next reason why you have a nose bleed is you have a symptom of chronic sinusitis. The chronic sinusitis related nose bleed occurs due to increased pressure on the blood capillaries in the nasal passage. The pressure results from persistent inflammation in the sinus cavities When these tiny capillaries burst because of the pressure, the nose starts to bleed.
4. Allergies
Allergies can also be the reason you have a nose bleed. Allergens that come from the inside of your home , such as dander and dust or outside of your home, such as pollen and ragweed can irritate the mucousal linings of your nasal passages. This nasal passage irritation leads to swelling, sneezing, and nose bleed.
5. Common cold
Colds and flu can be the reason why your nose bleeds. Cold causes the inflammation in your mucus membrane inside your nose. The inflamed or cracked mucus membrane leads to nose bleed. Blowing your nose too often and even repeated sneezing can cause the tiny blood vessels to rupture. See also: How to Treat Runny Nose while Breastfeeding
6. Trauma to the nose
Flying or driving up the mountains may cause your ears start ‘blocking’. This discomfort results from the difference of pressure between the inside and outside of the ear, also called as barotrauma. The injury in ear can cause trauma to the nose since they are connected through the Eaustachius tube.
7. Chemical irritants
Chemicals can cause irritation when they come in contact with the skin. Although not touching it, inhaling the vapor may be enough to irritate the skin of the nose and throat. If the chemical is powerful enough or if the exposure is long enough, it can damage the delicate on the inside of the nose and lead to a nose bleed.
8. Nasal sprays
The use of nasal steroid sprays (flonase, nasonex, etc.) Can also be the reason why you have a nose bleed. A specific location in the nose, called Kiesselbach’s plexus, can easily be irritated by nasal spray. Aiming the spray nozzle slightly inward can direct the spray right toward this point and cause the blood vessels in the septum come together.
9. Caffeine
Consuming a lot of caffeine is another reason why you have a nose bleed. Drinking a lot of beverages like coffee, soda, tea and energy drinks, dries out your body, pulling moisture from the mucous membranes of your nasal passages. When your nasal passages are dry, they become irritated and inflamed. This condition causes the blood vessels to become injured and results in a nose bleed.
10. Blood disorders
Blood disorders can be the reason why you have nose bleed. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is one of the blood disorders which causes excessive bleeding in people. The skin of the nose is very delicate, thus it is very easily injured and when coupled with a bleeding disorder, it will result in chronic nose bleeds. See also: How to Treat a Nosebleed at Home
11. Aspirin use
Taking aspirin is another reason you have a nose bleed. Aspirin thins out your blood and the side effect of taking it is getting nose bleed.
Those are 11 Reasons Why You Have a Nose Bleed. When you catch your nosebleed, don’t panic. Follow this following tips to treat it:
- Sit up straight and lean forward slightly. Don’t lie down or tilt your head backward.
- Use your thumb and index finger to firmly pinch the nose just below the bone up against the face.
- Apply pressure for at least 5 minutes.
- Repeat the above process if bleeding continues after 5 minutes.
- Go for a medical check if the bleeding still continues arter 10 minutes.
See also: How to Treat Nose after Choke
How to Get Rid of Nose Bleed
These following this can be useful to prevent the nose bleed. You can reduce the risk of getting nose bleed with these simple ways:
- Avoid forceful nose-blowing as it can damage the mucus membranes.
- Do not pick your nose or put your finger in your nose.
- Use saltwater (saline) nose drops or a spray instead of chemical nasal spray.
- Limit your use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as it can thin out your blood.