Nose Bleeding Causes

Nose bleeding can be classified into two upper and lower nose bleeds. Lower nose bleeds, usually pose no threat to the person and does not generally require medical attention, unless ofcourse the bleeding cannot be stopped. Bleeding of the lower nose mostly occurs withing the lower end of the nose lower septum (a dividing partition between two tissues or cavities). This septum separates the two channels of the nose that contain blood vessels. Being close to the surface, the susceptibility of these blood vessels to be injured increases and hence causes nose bleeding. Cases of upper nose bleeds are very rare. Here, the bleeding occurs high within the nose and blood tends to flow down the back of the mouth and throat. This may happen even when the person is sitting up or standing. Here is a brief look out on various causes of nose bleeding.

What Causes a Bleeding Nose?
The most common cause for nose bleeding is trauma that may include a violent blow or a smack. Sometimes, it is self-induced due to nose picking that occurs when mucus in the nose becomes dry and irritating. Indoor heat during winters may also be responsible for nose bleeding, as the heat causes dryness of the inner nose membranes and they get more prone to cracking and hence bleeding. High blood pressure, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis (rhinitis - an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose), colds and even certain medications may also trigger nose bleeding.

Other nose bleeding causes may include disorders such as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, also known as Arteriosclerotic Vascular Disease or ASVD, is a medical condition of the arteries where in, the arteries wall thickens due to fatty deposits (atheromas). Cancerous or non-cancerous nasal tumors are also found to be one of the factors that causes a bleeding nose, apart from leukemia, Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome and certain types of infection. As mentioned earlier, serious trauma to the face, resulting in broken nose is the most definite cause for nose bleeding, along with alcohol abuse.

Another common cause of nose bleeding has been found to be affecting people; especially small children. Most of the time, kids have a tendency of taking a cold shower, immediately after playing any outdoor games or after even after playing out in the scorching heat. The sudden rise and fall of temperature in the body also causes nose bleeding in some cases. This is due to the fact that when the body has reached a high temperature due to some physical activities, it needs time to cool down and attain what is called the 'normal body temperature'. Now, before the body does that, if it is exposed to sudden cold conditions (such as a cold shower or bath), the mechanism gets imbalanced and not only it causes bleeding, but acute medical emergencies also.

Treating a Bleeding Nose
As soon as you realize that your nose is bleeding, sit up straight and pinch the nostril (bleeding) firmly between your thumb and index finger, for at least 10-15 minutes. If the bleeding is due to dryness, then swabbing the membranes with a thick lubricant (vaseline) will prevent further bleeding. In some cases, applying cold ice pack (wrapped in a towel) on the nose bridge also provides relief from bleeding.

Once the bleeding stops, maintain the same position of keeping the head higher than the level of the heart. This will buy time for the blood to clot and prevent any further bleeding. Take care not to blow your nose or put anything into it, as this may dislodge the clot. If you can't avoid sneezing, then keep the mouth open to let the air escape from it, instead from the nose.

Medical intervention is essential if the nose bleeding does not stop even after following the above methods, and if it continues for more than 15-20 minutes. Persistent nose bleeding may indicate other serious condition in the body, that is undiagnosed. So, call for medical help as soon as possible. Especially, if the affected person is an infant or child or an aged person and the blood loss is heavy, it's a matter of great concern and should be attended to, immediately.

Most nose bleeding cases do not carry and sever complications with them, except some 'very rare' cases. Apart from what have been mentioned above, some nose bleeding causes may occur for no apparent reasons. Proper precautions have to be ensured in order to avoid the nose bleeding causes and even in the event of any nose bleeding, there is nothing much to be greatly concerned about. Just follow the above steps and get relief from the bleeding in no time!