What Causes Nosebleeds

The medicinal treatment used for describing nosebleed is epistaxis. In general, nosebleeds are categorized into two different types. They are: anterior nosebleed and posterior nosebleed. In anterior nosebleed, the bleeding occur from the lower septum or the partition that lies in between two nostrils. This area has a number of delicate blood vessels that causes the bleeding. On the other hand, in posterior nosebleed, the bleeding occurs from the upper part of the nose. Here, the blood emerges out of those arteries that supply blood to the nasal cavity. Obviously, the posterior nosebleed is a more serious condition as compared to anterior nosebleeds. In this article, we are discussing what causes nosebleeds in adults and children in two different sections.

What Causes Nosebleeds in Children?

There are many concerned parents who ask 'what causes frequent nosebleeds to my child'. I would like to ask them to relax as nosebleeds in children are mostly anterior nosebleeds and are either related to some minor injury or infection. Only in a few rare cases, it could be a serious issue. The nose is located at the center of the face and that makes it quite prone to injury while playing. Even if their face is hurt, then also the underlying blood vessels of the nose may start bleeding. Apart from this kind of injury, the inner wall of the nose may get scratched by their sharp nails while picking nose. Blowing a blocked nose caused by infections like cold and flu and sinusitis or allergies can cause bleeding. The dryness caused by climatic conditions with high temperature and less humidity or high altitude lead to cracks inside the nose and nosebleeds occur. Some children are born with deviated septum or crooked nose and they may suffer anterior nosebleed quite often.

What Causes Nosebleeds in Adults?

Adults often suffer from posterior nosebleeds which is a more serious condition. It can be a symptom of high blood pressure, hardening of artery walls due to cholesterol deposits, calcium deficiency, tumor in the nasal cavity. On exposure to harmful chemicals that can cause irritation to the mucous membrane inside the nose, one may get nosebleeds. If one has undergone nasal surgery, then also bleeding may occur. Side effects of some medicines, intake of narcotic drugs can be responsible for this problem too. Many pregnant women are curious about 'what causes nosebleeds in pregnancy'. During pregnancy, the blood vessels present inside the nose get expanded and additional amount of blood enters into them. The delicate blood vessels cannot endure the extra pressure and get ruptured that causes nosebleeds.

Nosebleeds Treatment

A minor nosebleed can be cured at home only and does not require any medicinal treatment. If you are suffering from nosebleeds then the first thing that needs to be done is to sit down with an upright posture and lean your head forward. This will help the blood to come out through your nose and will not get drained into the throat. Press the nostrils together with your thumb and index finger, and hold it for 10 minutes. During this time, breathe through your mouth. This will help in clotting of blood. It should be followed by application of ice pack on the nose. Avoid any kind of strenuous physical activities for the next 24 hours. This treatment should be given to children and pregnant women as well. If the bleeding continues for more than 20 minutes, then a doctor should be consulted. The treatment is then based upon the underlying cause. If one gets nosebleeds after sustaining head injury, then immediate medical intervention is a must.

Now that you know what causes nosebleeds, you should avoid all those activities that may rupture the blood vessels of the nostrils. It includes picking of the nose and hard blowing of the nose. If crusting inside the nose is causing frequent nosebleeds in your child, then application of petroleum jelly can reduce the chance of the problem. If you live in a very dry climatic condition, then you should use humidifier in your homes.