Nosebleeds tend to look way terrier than they actually are. But at the end of the day, whether you get a surprise torrent or just a couple of droplets dripping, a nosebleed happens to the best of us. In this article, we’ll outline what causes the drama, what to look out for, and how to stop the bleeding. If you’ve ever asked yourself “What causes a nosebleed?” or “Why does my nose not stop running,” you’re in the right place!
Understanding Nosebleeds: The Basics
Nosebleeds or epistaxis are more common than you think and can hit anytime, anywhere. A dry climate, a friendly sniff, or getting into a face-off with your nose — your nose bleeds for many reasons. While it may seem terrifying, most nosebleeds are normal. But, a little awareness will help you move from trying to cope to preventing a bloody nose as best you can.
Common Causes of Nosebleeds
The big culprit is typically dryness. On days with a lot of humidity (think winter, or in an arid environment) your nasal passages can become dry. This can cause the nasal membranes to peel and become irritated. They also are more likely to bleed. This is how you get a bloody nose. Other causes include:
- Injuries
- Allergies and infections
- High blood pressure
Effective Treatments for Nosebleeds
Here’s what you should do:
Sit down, sit up, and lean forward. Sitting up reduces blood pressure from veins in your nose. Also leaning forward, versus sitting back, helps to keep blood out of your stomach. Blood in your stomach can make you feel nauseous.
Pinch your nose shut. Use your thumb and index finger to create a little pressure directly on the soft part of your nose. Do that for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll feel some resistance but it’s working to close the blood vessels and help the blood stop.
Cool it down. This is where those ice packs or ice come in handy. Use that on the bridge of your nose. It helps to reduce blood flow and constrict blood vessels to help your nose stop bleeding.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most likely a nosebleed doesn’t show a real health crisis. There are a couple of times when you should get help from a medical professional, like if you have frequent nosebleeds or can’t get it to stop yourself. Nosebleeds can be a sign of a health problem, like a clotting and bleeding problem. If it doesn’t stop, make sure you call your healthcare provider.
If you have deeper trauma that caused the nosebleed, make sure you see a provider at the hospital or clinic so they can ensure you don’t have a fracture or other serious trauma.
