NOSE BLEEDS - Dr.Kumaresh Krishnamoorthy Column

What is a nosebleed?

A nosebleed occurs when the membranes lining the inner nose are disturbed or irritated enough to cause abnormal bleeding. The medical term for nosebleed is epistaxis. There are two types of nosebleeds: anterior and posterior. If the bleeding is near the front of the nose, it is an anterior nosebleed. Nosebleeds in children are almost always of the anterior type. Anterior nosebleeds are common in dry climates or during the winter months when the dry air parches the nasal membranes so that they crust, crack, and bleed. A posterior nosebleed occurs in the back of the nose and is not always characterized by rapid bleeding but may be slow, steady ooze. Posterior nosebleeds are more likely to occur in older people. It may be more difficult to locate the site of the damage in a posterior nosebleed than in an anterior nosebleed. An anterior nosebleed is usually not as severe or serious as a posterior nosebleed.

What causes nosebleeds?

If you have a nosebleed after a heavy blow to your skull, it could mean you have a fractured skull. You should go to the hospital immediately. The most common causes of nosebleed are:

A breakdown in the membranes lining the nose. This can be triggered by poorly humidified air or probing, bumping, picking, or rubbing your nose.
Blowing the nose forcefully can also cause a nosebleed, especially if the nasal lining is already inflamed because of a virus, bacteria, or allergy.
Injury to the face or nose.
Scars and damage from previous nosebleeds that reopen and bleed.
High blood pressure
Medicines that slow the time normally required for the blood to clot.