Why Am I Getting Nosebleeds Frequently: Three Factors That Could Be The Culprits

Experiencing bleeding from the nose is a common occurrence, usually harmless. Most often, there is no pain involved and the issue resolves almost immediately without any medical intervention. However, nosebleeds can signal other health concerns. It usually occurs when the blood vessels in the nose rupture and many factors can contribute to it. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rakesh Gokul Singh, Senior Consultant, ENT, Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park, shares three common causes of repeated nosebleeds. 

How Common Is Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds, also referred to as epistaxis, are rarely life-threatening, accounting for four in 20.4 lakh deaths in the US, according to research. The incidence of epistaxis in the general population is about 60% and only 10% of nosebleeds are severe enough to necessitate a medical treatment. 

The research further states that the condition mostly affects children ranging from 2-10 years old and the elderly ranging from 50-80 years old.  

Also Read: Is Nosebleed A Sign Of High Blood Pressure? Here’s What You Should Know

Common Causes Of Frequent Nosebleeds

Dr Singh attributes frequent nosebleeds to three primary causes, which include:

• Repeated nose picking 
• Nasal dryness, which is when the nasal mucosa lacks moisture, leading to discomfort 
• The use of blood thinners among elderly patients 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most common cause of nosebleeds is dry air. Explaining further, the health website shares that hot, low-humidity regions or indoor environments with heating systems can lead to decreased moisture in the air. In both cases, there is a chance of nasal dryness. Consequently, this can increase the risk of nosebleeds when the nose is touched, picked, or during blowing. Additionally, inserting foreign objects in the nose or sustaining injuries to the nasal area or face can also trigger epistaxis.

Treatment And Prevention

If you get frequent nosebleeds, Dr Singh recommends addressing the underlying causes. If nose picking is a contributing factor, it is important to make an effort to stop this habit, he says. 

Additionally, using products like vaseline to keep the nasal mucosa moist can prove beneficial in treating nasal dryness. In case the symptoms are severe, consult a healthcare professional and see medical guidance for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Also Read: Nose Bleeding A Common Occurrence In Summers. Here's Are 4 Ways To Stop Nose Bleeding

Some of the measures to prevent epistaxis or nosebleeds include:

• Avoid or stop the habit of nose picking, which can cause damage to the nasal passages
• Keep the nasal mucosa moist
• Schedule routine appointments with an ENT specialist to monitor your nasal health and address any issues early on

Bottomline

If you get repeated nosebleeds, it is important to note a few things. For instance, the length of your nosebleed, the approximate amount of blood loss, how often you get them and if the bleeding occurs in one or both your nostrils. Be ready to tell your doctor about your personal medical history, if you're taking any medications, for example blood thinners, or drugs for cold or allergies. Remember it is crucial to get a proper diagnosis before starting treatment.