Nosebleed - Facts And Causes

Facts

• Nosebleed is also known as epistaxis.
• Bleeding occurs when any of the blood vessels within the nose are ruptured.
• The most common area for a nosebleed is near the front, i.e. upper end of the nasal septum where there are many blood vessels. The nasal septum (along the fleshy part) divides the nose into 2 paths. This type of bleeding is known as anterior where blood flows out through the nostrils.
• Posterior bleeding is less common and bleeding concentrates around the upper part of the nose. Blood tends to backflow towards the back of the mouth and throat.
• Children are more vulnerable to nosebleeds than adults. Majority of the nosebleeds are not serious.
• A rhinoscope is a tool that enables the doctor to view the back of the nose to spot the bleeding blood vessel(s).
• Though rare, women with endometriosis whose endometrial cells have strayed to other parts of the body other than the pelvis, have experienced a nosebleed, coughed up blood or experience shoulder pain at the same time as their menstruation. No matter where they are, these misplaced endometrial cells will break down and bleed (just as they would if they were in the uterus) when the normal period commences.

Causes

• Picking the nose vigorously
• A hard knock on the nose
• A broken nose
• During the first menstrual period
• Chemical irritants (e.g. ammonia, sulfuric acid)
• Constant blowing or sneezing
• Dry environment or low humidity
• Nasal spray (e.g. nasal spray calcitonin used to treat osteoporosis)
• Head injury
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Leukemia
• Liver disease
• Tumor (benign or malignant)
• Cocaine consumption
• Bleeding disorder (e.g. hemophilia)
• Medications that interfere with blood clotting (e.g. anticoagulants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen)

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