Nosebleed

Name: Nose Bleed
Brand: Louisiana ENT Specialists
Rating: 5 (97 reviews)

Nosebleeds, or epistaxis as it is medically known, is a common condition that can affect people of all age groups.

Find Your ENT Request Appointment

It is characterized by bleeding from one or both nostrils and can range from a minor annoyance to a potential health concern, depending on its frequency and severity. At Louisiana ENT Specialists, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge about these conditions and helping them make informed decisions about their health.

What is a nosebleed?

A nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, occurs when the fragile blood vessels inside the nostrils are damaged and bleed. The inside of our nose is rich in blood vessels, which are quite close to the surface. Because they're so delicate, even a minor injury can cause them to bleed. Nosebleeds can originate from different parts of the nose, primarily from the front (anterior) or the back (posterior).

Anterior nosebleeds

Anterior nosebleeds are the most common type and originate from the lower septum, the thin wall dividing the two nostrils. These blood vessels can be easily damaged due to their exposure. Causes could range from dry air causing nasal membranes to dry out and become more susceptible to bleeding due to cracking or irritation to minor irritations such as nose picking. Anterior nosebleeds are usually easy to control and stop with some simple first-aid steps.

Posterior nosebleeds

Posterior nosebleeds occur deep inside the nose, originating from an artery in the back part of the nose. They are less common but more severe and challenging to manage with just first-aid measures. These nosebleeds are more common in adults and may require medical attention. They can be caused by high blood pressure, injury to the nose or face, or conditions that affect blood vessels or clotting.

Causes of nosebleeds

Nosebleeds can be triggered by a multitude of factors ranging from environmental conditions to underlying health concerns. Here's a closer look at some of the most common causes:

Dry air

Living in a dry climate or spending a lot of time in a heated indoor environment can dry out your nasal membranes (the delicate tissue inside your nose). This dryness causes a crust to form within the nostrils. A crust can form, causing itching and subsequent nose-picking, which can trigger a nosebleed.

Nose picking or physical trauma

Nose picking is a common cause of anterior nosebleeds because it damages the nose's interior lining. Similarly, any injury to the face or nose, such as a punch, a fall, or a car accident, can result in a nosebleed. Even a minor injury can damage the blood vessels in the nose, leading to a bleed.

Medications

Certain medications, like aspirin, clopidogrel, and anticoagulants, can increase the risk of nosebleeds, particularly those that thin the blood. In addition, nasal sprays used for allergies, sinusitis, or colds may dry out or irritate the nasal membranes, leading to nosebleeds.

Health conditions

There are several underlying health conditions that can cause nosebleeds. High blood pressure can stress the blood vessels in the nose, causing them to bleed. Blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease can also cause nosebleeds. Other conditions that may cause nosebleeds include liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol abuse, and nasal tumors.

Allergies

Allergies can lead to nosebleeds due to the inflammation and irritation they cause in the nasal passages. Frequent nose blowing to clear the passages can also lead to nosebleeds.

Deviated septum

A deviated septum (when the wall between your nostrils is displaced to one side) can cause frequent nosebleeds.

Symptoms accompanying nosebleeds

Other than the noticeable bleeding from the nose, other symptoms can accompany a nosebleed. These include frequent sneezing, a sensation of liquid trickling at the back of the throat, and difficulty breathing, especially if the bleeding is heavy.

Managing nosebleeds

Most nosebleeds, particularly anterior ones, can be managed at home using simple first-aid measures. However, seeking medical attention is crucial if the bleeding persists, recurs frequently, or if you suspect a posterior nosebleed.

Why choose Louisiana ENT Specialists?

At Louisiana ENT Specialists, our dedicated team of ENT specialists brings years of experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of ENT conditions, including nosebleeds. With over 45 years of service in Louisiana, we believe in a patient-centric approach to care, ensuring that every treatment plan is customized to treat and resolve the symptoms.

If you or a loved one are dealing with persistent or recurrent nosebleeds, don't hesitate to contact us at Louisiana ENT Specialists. Let us help you take the first step towards better ENT health.

Our team of top-rated physicians and specialists is dedicated to treating the entire family with empathy and respect. We don't just treat symptoms; we strive to find minimally invasive, long-lasting solutions to your sinus and nasal issues. Our advanced training in allergy and membership with the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy equips us to offer personalized patient care. At Louisiana ENT Specialists, we believe in empowering our patients through education. We ensure you leave our clinics knowing you have been under the care of world-class specialists who genuinely care. Choose us for your ENT needs and experience the difference of a patient-first approach delivered by a team that genuinely cares about your health and well-being.