Nosebleeds can happen at the most inconvenient times, like during meetings or at social gatherings, and if that happens regularly, it can be not only inconvenient, it can cause you frustration and worry. For many people, the abrupt onset of a nosebleed can be alarming, especially when there’s no immediate answer as to why it’s occurring. If you’ve been going through recurrent nosebleeds, you might wonder what’s causing them and how to stop them. When is it time to seek help from an ENT? Let’s take a closer look.
Common nosebleed causes
It’s pretty common for individuals to experience intermittent nosebleeds, especially when the weather is dry or cold. However, persistent nose bleeds could suggest a more serious underlying problem. Below are some of the most common causes that may explain why your nose is bleeding more often than you’d like.
Hot or dry air
The delicate lining of your nostrils can dry out if the air is particularly dry, especially during the winter, or when the air is hot. This dryness causes the blood vessels in your nasal passages to crack or break, causing nosebleeds. A simple solution to this problem is to utilize a humidifier in your house or office.
Allergens and irritants
Your nose will be more prone to bleeding if it becomes swollen by exposure to irritants such as strong odors, dust, pollution, or smoke. If you’re allergic to substances such as pollen, pet dander, or mold, your nasal passages may swell, further exacerbating the risk of nosebleeds. Identifying and avoiding allergens, or utilizing nasal sprays or antihistamines to manage swelling, can help decrease your exposure to irritants and counter bleeding episodes.
Nasal polyps
Nosebleeds can sometimes be caused by non-cancerous growths that develop on the sinuses or nasal passages known as nasal polyps. Airflow can be impeded by these polyps causing irritation and sometimes bleeding. If left untreated, polyps may necessitate medical treatment. An ENT doctor can examine your nasal passages and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include medication or, in serious cases, surgery to remove the polyps.
Injury or trauma
Physical trauma, including forcefully blowing your nose, frequent rubbing, or even picking your nose, can directly harm the blood vessels in the nasal passages, causing a nosebleed. To avoid additional injury, be mindful when blowing your nose, and avoid picking or scratching inside your nostrils.
High blood pressure
The likelihood of having a nosebleed is elevated by high blood pressure (hypertension) which can damage the blood vessels in the nasal passages. The risk of blood pressure-associated nosebleeds can be decreased by keeping your blood pressure in check with a healthy diet, lifestyle changes, exercise, and if prescribed, medication.
Blood clotting disorders
Frequent nosebleeds can be the outcome of medical conditions such as a vitamin K deficiency, or hemophilia which impact your ability to clot blood. If you suspect that a clotting disorder may be the cause of your nosebleeds, it’s essential to contact a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. Treatment may include medication to manage the condition and reduce bleeding episodes.
Significant reasons to seek medical assistance for recurring nosebleeds
While nosebleeds are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying medical problem that requires professional attention. If you’re dealing with frequent nosebleeds, here are some significant reasons to go see an ENT specialist:
Accurate diagnosis
The cause of your nosebleed can be accurately identified after we perform a thorough evaluation. We will rule out anatomical issues and clotting conditions with a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and possibly further tests like blood work or imaging.
Personalized treatment
Your doctor will help you put together a treatment plan once they determine the root cause of your nose bleeds. This could entail addressing the root cause, such as treating allergies, using medications to control nasal inflammation, or in some cases, carrying out a procedure like cauterization to seal the blood vessels responsible for the bleeding.
Preventative strategies
We can offer practical advice to prevent future nosebleeds, including using saline sprays to moisturize your nasal passages, avoiding irritants such as smoke or strong chemicals, and implementing strategies to manage allergies or high blood pressure. Your risk of frequent nosebleeds can be significantly reduced with lifestyle adjustments.
Regular monitoring
If your nosebleeds are related to a medical condition, your ENT specialist will offer ongoing monitoring and adjust your treatment as needed. Regular follow-up visits can ensure that any root conditions are well-managed and that you experience fewer nosebleeds.
Peace of mind
Make sure your nosebleeds are being correctly managed by setting up a consultation with us.
It’s always a good plan to get a professional to assess your situation even if your nose bleeds turn out not to be serious. Realizing that your nosebleeds are being correctly managed and that future nose bleeds are in check can be really reassuring.
Get the assistance you need
Nosebleeds, while unpleasant, are normally not cause for concern. However, it’s crucial to get to the bottom of the issue if you’re dealing with recurring episodes. Whether the cause is as simple as dry air or something more complex like nasal polyps or high blood pressure, we can provide the expertise necessary to diagnose and treat the issue.
Don’t let regular nosebleeds keep disrupting your life. If you’re sick of dealing with this ongoing issue, call us today, we can offer personalized care and help you prevent those nosebleeds for good.