Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds, medically referred to as epistaxis, are a common occurrence that many people experience at some point in their lives. When the small blood vessels within the nasal lining burst, they release blood, resulting in nosebleeds.

Nosebleeds are usually benign and stop within 10 minutes without excessive bleeding, causing temporary inconvenience. But sometimes, they can be frequent and prolonged and lead to excessive blood loss.

You may need to seek medical advice in case the bleeding does not stop, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

At Kimball Health Services, we prioritize the health and well-being of you and your child. Our ENT and primary care team are dedicated to providing prompt and effective treatment for nosebleeds in adults and children.

Types of Nosebleeds

There are two types of nosebleeds based on the site of bleeding.

Anterior Nosebleeds

Anterior nosebleeds originate from the front part of the nasal septum. It is the wall separating the two nasal passages. Capillaries and small blood vessels in this frontal region are delicate and can rupture easily.

These nosebleeds are usually less severe and more common, especially in children. You can manage anterior nosebleeds at home.

Posterior Nosebleeds

Posterior nosebleeds occur further back in the nasal cavity, often involving larger blood vessels located in the back part of the nasal septum. These nosebleeds are generally less common but can be more severe and challenging to control. They may lead to substantial bleeding and even cause the blood to flow down the back of the throat.

Posterior nosebleeds are often associated with underlying medical conditions and are more commonly encountered in adults. You may have to seek professional medical intervention to manage posterior nosebleeds due to the potential severity of the bleeding.

Causes of Nosebleeds

The delicate blood vessels in the nose can be influenced by various environmental and biological factors.

Dry air can irritate and dry out the nasal membranes, making them more prone to bleeding. Arid climates or the winter months, when indoor heating systems reduce humidity, can cause dry air.
Trauma and injury to the nose, whether from accidents or frequent picking, can damage the blood vessels in the nasal lining, leading to nosebleeds.
Nasal irritation can lead to inflammation and make blood vessels more susceptible to bleeding. Irritants can irritate the nasal passages. These include tobacco smoke, strong odors, or chemical fumes.
Infections, particularly respiratory infections like colds and sinusitis, can cause nosebleeds. Episodes of constant sneezing and nose-blowing can cause inflammation in the nasal passages, making blood vessels more vulnerable to bleeding.
Allergies can cause nasal congestion and inflammation, increasing the likelihood of nosebleeds.
Certain nasal sprays, especially those containing decongestants, can cause nasal dryness and irritation, leading to nosebleeds.
Blood-thinning medications can increase the risk of nosebleeds by affecting blood clotting.
Foreign objects in the nasal passages, especially in children, can cause irritation and lead to nosebleeds.

Risk Factors

Certain people are more prone to experiencing nosebleeds than others. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of nosebleeds include:

Age: Nosebleeds are more commonly observed in children between the ages of 2 and 10 and adults between the ages of 45 to 80.
Pregnancy: Blood vessels in the nasal passages expand during pregnancy. This expansion puts increased pressure on the delicate blood vessels in the nasal lining of the nose, making pregnant women more prone to nosebleeds.
Medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, hypertension (high blood pressure), and vascular abnormalities, can elevate the risk of recurrent or persistent nosebleeds.

Nosebleeds in Children

Nosebleeds are common in children aged 3 to 10 years. Most occur in the front (anterior) part of the nose near the nostrils and are usually not serious and often manageable at home.

However, nosebleeds that occur in the back (posterior) part of the nose near the throat are less common in children and can be more serious, potentially causing significant blood loss.

Several factors can cause nosebleeds in children, including:

Dry air: It is a common cause, especially in winter or dry climates.
Nose picking: Frequent nose-picking can irritate the nasal lining.
Forceful nose blowing: Blowing the nose too hard can rupture blood vessels.
Nasal injury: Trauma to the nose from falls or accidents.
Colds and allergies: These can cause nasal inflammation and bleeding.
Foreign objects: Inserting objects into the nose can lead to bleeding.

Understanding the causes and knowing how to manage nosebleeds can help ensure your child's well-being. If nosebleeds are frequent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Managing Nosebleeds at Home

Usually, nosebleeds are not serious and can be managed at home. Steps for managing nosebleeds at home include:

Stay calm to avoid unnecessary stress.
Sit up straight and ensure your head is higher than your heart to reduce blood flow to the nasal vessels.
Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch your nostrils together just beneath the bony part of your nose. Breathe through your mouth.
Lean forward. It will prevent blood from flowing down the back of your throat.
Apply ice or a cold pack to the bridge of your nose. This can help constrict blood vessels and slow bleeding.
If the bleeding does not stop, get medical help.

To avoid getting nosebleeds, use a humidifier in dry climates or during the winter, and avoid irritants like tobacco smoke or strong odors.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Get medical help if you experience:

Excessive bleeding that continues for more than 20 minutes
Recurrent nosebleeds
Vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Weakness, dizziness, or confusion
Nosebleed after a head injury
Nosebleeds after taking a new medication

Medical Treatment for Nosebleeds

When you seek medical help, the process starts with an examination of the nasal area to identify the broken blood vessels in the nose. At Kimball Health Services, we offer prompt and comprehensive medical attention to address your condition.

The treatment for nosebleeds focuses on stopping the bleeding and addressing any underlying causes that may be identified. Depending on the severity and cause of your nosebleeds, the treatment options may include:

The use of specialized ointments to stop the nasal blood flow
Cauterization of the blood vessels to seal them and stop the bleeding
Nasal packing with medicated gauze to apply pressure and constrict the blood vessels to stop the bleeding
Ligation (tying off) of the bleeding blood vessels in severe or recurrent cases

Treatment for Nosebleeds in Kimball, NE

At Kimball Health Services, our primary care providers and Dr. William O. Dickey, our ENT specialist, provide comprehensive care and medical attention to address various ENT-related issues and conditions, including nosebleeds. Our team provides personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and condition.

As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online. We're here for you whenever you need us.