Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drug Information Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Nosebleed injury

Printer-friendly versionEmail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Nosebleed
Nosebleed

Alternative names    Return to top

Nose bleeding

Definition    Return to top

A nosebleed is loss of blood from the mucous membranes that line the nose, most commonly from one nostril only.

Considerations    Return to top

Nosebleeds are very common. Most nosebleeds occur because of minor irritations or colds. The nose has an abundant supply of tiny blood vessels, which makes it easy for the nose to bleed. Air moving through the nose can dry and irritate the membranes lining the inside of the nose. The lining develops crusts that bleed when irritated by rubbing, picking, or blowing the nose.

The lining of the nose is more likley to become dry and irritated from low humidity and dry environment, allergic rhinitis, colds, or sinusitis. A deviated septum, foreign objects in the nose, or other nasal obstruction may cause also cause nosebleeds. A direct impact to the nose can also cause a nosebleed.

Most nosebleeds occur on the tip of the nasal septum, which contains many fragile, easily damaged blood vessels. More rarely, nosebleeds may occur higher on the septum or deeper in the nose. These higher or deeper nosebleeds may be harder to control.

Occasionally, nosebleeds may indicate other disorders such as bleeding disorders, hypertension, or arteriosclerosis. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (also called HHT or Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, a disorder involving a vascular growth similar to a birthmark in the back of the nose) may be evidenced by nosebleeds.

Sometimes blood thinners such as Coumadin or aspirin may cause or worsen nosebleeds. Most nosebleeds begin on the septum -- the midline, vertical cartilage that separates the nasal chambers and is lined with fragile blood vessels. This form of nosebleed is not serious, and is usually easy to stop.

Causes    Return to top

Symptoms    Return to top

First Aid    Return to top

Sit down and gently squeeze the soft portion of the nose between your thumb and finger (so that the nostrils are closed) for about 5-10 minutes. Lean forward to avoid swallowing the blood and breathe through your mouth. Wait at least 5 minutes before checking if the bleeding has stopped. Almost all nose bleeds can be controlled in this way if sufficient time is allowed for the bleeding to stop.

It may help to apply cold compresses or ice across the bridge of the nose. DO NOT pack the inside of the nose with gauze.

Do Not    Return to top

Lying down with a nose bleed is not recommended, and you should avoid sniffing or blowing your nose for several hours after a nosebleed.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if    Return to top

Get emergency care if:

Call your doctor for an appointment if you or your child has repeated nosebleeds, particularly if they are becoming more frequent and if they are not associated with a cold or other minor irritation.

Prevention    Return to top

A cooler house and a vaporizer, to return humidity to the air, help many people with frequent nosebleeds. Nasal saline spray also can help prevent nosebleeds, especially during the winter months.

Update Date: 12/10/2003

Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Ashutosh Kacker, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/21/2002).

adam.com logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.