Nosebleeds are typically little more than a nuisance, especially aggravating because they can surface anytime and anywhere. It can be more than a little embarrassing when a nose bleed occurs in a situation like a first date or family dinner. Usually, those stop pretty quickly, especially if you use a little direct pressure.
But under normal circumstances, nosebleeds don’t happen that often. So if you’re having nosebleeds fairly often, you might feel a little concerned. After all, from the time we’re young kids, we’re taught to correlate bleeding with injury. So the idea that something might be wrong when your nose bleeds regularly is not unusual.
Regular nosebleeds – what’s the cause?
It turns out that there are a number of reasons why you might experience repeated nosebleeds, including the following.
Environmental causes: The most prevalent environmental trigger for frequent nosebleeds is dry air. A bloody nose can be caused by aggravation caused by dry air.
Behavior: Aggressively blowing your nose can trigger nosebleeds when done with enough frequency and intensity level.
Medication: There are some medications that can trigger repeated nosebleeds. If you notice your nosebleeds suddenly increase in frequency, you should check in with us about the medications you’re using.
Structural issues: Occasionally, your nose is simply shaped a little bit differently. These congenital issues can lead to more frequent nosebleeds in the long run.
Health conditions: Your body’s ability to clot blood can be inhibited by certain medical conditions. This can trigger persisting nosebleeds.
Growths in the sinuses: In some cases, a polyp or tumor can grow in your sinuses. When this happens, persistent nosebleeds could result.
Colds and allergies: Sometimes, those mucus membranes can really dry out from an allergic reaction or a cold. And as you may have expected, more frequent nosebleed can be the outcome.
This list includes some relatively innocuous health concerns, as well as some alarming ones. So how can you tell when you should be worried or when it’s time to go see your physician about your nosebleeds?
When should nosebleeds be treated by your doctor?
The first thing to recognize is that if you have any concerns about your nosebleeds, it’s a good plan to get a consultation. Some peace of mind is never a bad thing! As a basic rule, you should come see us if:
- You haven’t seen a doctor before your present nosebleeds began.
- Your nosebleeds are getting more difficult to stop and are becoming more frequent.
We will help you understand the source of your nosebleeds and determine the best way to stop them, if necessary.
When to find emergency care for your nosebleeds
There are some circumstances in which persistent nosebleeds can happen as a result of a significant or emergency condition. You should seek out immediate emergency care if:
- Your nosebleed is due to or occurs right after trauma and injury.
- You can’t get your nosebleed to stop after 30 minutes, even after applying pressure.
- You’re having trouble breathing because of your nosebleed, even when you’re trying to breathe through your mouth.
- The nosebleed arises in a person younger than two years old.
- More blood than you would expect is coming from your nosebleed. Put simply, head to the emergency room if the bleeding is alarmingly heavy.
- If you are seeking emergency care for a nosebleed, it’s essential that you have somebody drive you to the emergency department. That’s because blood loss can impact your ability to drive.
- Getting lightheaded or losing consciousness while driving might make your medical situation significantly worse.
Let your nose be your guide
You should schedule an appointment if something seems off or you’re concerned about repeated nosebleeds. If you’re experiencing a bloody nose a couple of times a month, as a basic rule of thumb, it’s probable not a substantial problem. But it’s probably something more serious if your nose is bleeding numerous times a week.