How do nosebleeds occur

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Nosebleeds during pregnancy are common. They can be alarming, but generally there's no need to worry and you should be able to treat a bleeding nose yourself. Nosebleeds in children are very common. Nosebleed treatment starts with staying calm and applying pressure to the nose.

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Your email: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. Send to: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. On this page What are nosebleeds? On this page. Blood vessels in the nose are fragile Symptoms of nosebleeds Causes of nosebleeds First aid management for nosebleeds Frequent nosebleeds Where to get help Things to remember.

Blood vessels in the nose are fragile The small blood vessels in the septum the firm tissue between the nostrils, which divides the nose into two halves are fragile and can burst fairly easily, causing a nose bleed. In children, the nose tends to bleed from only one side unilateral.

Symptoms of nosebleeds The signs and symptoms of a nosebleed include: bleeding from either or both nostrils a sensation of flowing liquid at the back of the throat the urge to swallow frequently.

Causes of nosebleeds A nosebleed can be caused by a range of factors, including: fragile blood vessels that bleed easily, perhaps in warm dry air or after exercise an infection of the nose lining, sinuses or adenoids an allergy that causes hay fever or coughing bumps or falls an object that has been pushed up the nostril nose picking occasionally, a bleeding or clotting problem. First aid management for nosebleeds To manage a nosebleed include: Reassure the person, especially children, as crying increases blood flow.

Sit the person up straight and drop their head slightly forward. Apply finger and thumb pressure on the soft part of nostrils below the bridge of the nose for at least 10 minutes. Encourage the person to breathe through their mouth while their nostrils are pinched. Loosen tight clothing around the neck. After 10 minutes, release the pressure on the nostrils and check to see if the bleeding has stopped.

If bleeding persist, seek medical aid. Tell the person not to sniff or blow their nose for at least 15 minutes and not to pick their nose for the rest of the day. However, your doctor might use diagnostic tests to find the cause. These tests include:. Treatment for nosebleeds will vary depending on the type and cause of the nosebleed. Read on to find out about treatments for different nosebleeds. If you have an anterior nosebleed, you bleed from the front of your nose, usually a nostril.

You can try to treat an anterior nosebleed at home. While sitting up, squeeze the soft part of your nose. Make sure that your nostrils are fully closed. Keep your nostrils closed for 10 minutes, lean forward slightly, and breathe through your mouth.

Lying down can result in swallowing blood and can irritate your stomach. Release your nostrils after 10 minutes and check to see if the bleeding has stopped. Repeat these steps if bleeding continues. You can also apply a cold compress over the bridge of your nose or use a nasal spray decongestant to close off the small blood vessels. You might have a posterior nosebleed that requires more invasive treatment.

If you have a posterior nosebleed, you bleed from the back of your nose. The blood also tends to flow from the back of your nose down your throat.

Posterior nosebleeds are less common and often more serious than anterior nosebleeds. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room ER if you think you have a posterior nosebleed. A medical technique called cauterization can also stop persistent or frequent nosebleeds. This involves your doctor burning the blood vessels in your nose with either a heating device or silver nitrate, a compound used to remove tissue.

Your doctor may pack your nose with cotton, gauze, or foam.