A sudden gush of red can be alarming, especially when it comes from your nose. But if you’ve ever experienced a nosebleed, you are not alone. Known medically as epistaxis, nosebleeds are a very common occurrence, and while they can look dramatic, they are usually not serious and stop on their own.
In fact, up to 60% of people will have at least one nosebleed in their lifetime.
While most are harmless, understanding the underlying cause is crucial. Knowing the difference between a simple irritation and a sign of something more is key to proper care and prevention.
The inside of your nose contains many delicate blood vessels positioned close to the surface. A nosebleed occurs when these tiny vessels rupture. Most bleeding starts in the front part of the septum, an area called Kiesselbach’s plexus, which accounts for over 90% of all nosebleeds because it is easily irritated by dryness, trauma, or temperature changes.
Doctors categorize nosebleeds into two types:
Understanding the typical, everyday causes can help you pinpoint your own triggers and take effective preventative action.
This is arguably the single biggest contributor. Low humidity, whether due to a naturally dry climate or the use of forced-air heating systems in winter, dries out the delicate nasal membranes. When these membranes become taut, cracked, or crusty, the fragile underlying blood vessels are easily exposed and can break with minimal strain.
Conditions that cause constant inflammation, like allergic rhinitis or sinus infections, make the lining of your nose tender and the vessels more fragile. The inflammation, combined with the irritation from constant sneezing or forceful nose-blowing, puts significant stress on the nasal tissue.
Minor trauma is a leading cause, especially among young children. Inserting a finger or vigorously rubbing the nose to relieve an itch can easily nick a superficial blood vessel and trigger a sudden bleed.
Any direct hit to the face, such as a fall, a sports injury, or an accident, can cause immediate and sometimes heavy bleeding due to physical damage to the nasal structures.
Certain medications interfere with the body's natural clotting mechanisms, making bleeding both more likely and harder to stop. These include over-the-counter drugs, as well as prescription anticoagulants (blood thinners). Additionally, the overuse of certain decongestant nasal sprays can dry out and irritate the lining.
While it is rare for high blood pressure (hypertension) to directly cause a nosebleed, extremely high or uncontrolled blood pressure can make blood vessels more prone to rupture when combined with nasal dryness or irritation, and the resulting bleed may be more difficult to control.
Exposure to airborne irritants like smoke, chemical fumes, or strong solvents can inflame and dry out the nasal lining, increasing its susceptibility to bleeding.
Most nosebleeds have a simple cause, but persistent or severe cases may signal an underlying health issue:
While most nosebleeds stop quickly, some require immediate attention. Call for medical help immediately if you experience any of the following:
Prevention focuses on maintaining a healthy, moist nasal environment and avoiding trauma.
Follow your doctor's treatment plan for chronic conditions to reduce inflammation, which makes the vessels fragile.
If a nosebleed occurs, follow these steps to manage it effectively:
Nosebleeds happen more often than you might think, and most aren’t serious. They’re usually triggered by dryness, irritation, or minor trauma. By keeping nasal passages well-moisturized and understanding what causes them, you can prevent many episodes and stay one step ahead of recurring nosebleeds.
Worried about frequent or severe nosebleeds? Wellspring Health Services provides expert evaluation, personalized care, and practical solutions to keep your nasal health on track.
Don’t wait for a minor bleed to become a concern, contact us today and take control of your winter wellness.
Cold, dry air and indoor heating dry out nasal passages, making blood vessels fragile and more prone to cracking, which increases nosebleed frequency.
Most nosebleeds are harmless, caused by dryness or minor trauma, but frequent, heavy, or prolonged bleeding may indicate an underlying medical condition.
Sit upright, lean forward slightly, pinch the soft part of your nose for 10–15 minutes, and apply a cold compress if needed.
Seek medical care if bleeding lasts over 20 minutes, is heavy, recurs frequently, follows injury, or is accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath.
Keep nasal passages moist with saline sprays or gels, manage allergies, avoid picking or rubbing, blow gently, and protect your nose during physical activity.
