I have frequent nosebleeds. What causes them and are they normal?
Though most nosebleeds are mild and benign, they shouldn’t happen. Experts weigh in on when to see a doctor
TL;DR
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis) are either anterior (90% of cases, from Kiesselbach's plexus) or posterior (rarer, more serious, from deeper vessels).
- To stop a nosebleed, lean forward, pinch the nose, and consider a cold compress or nasal decongestant; avoid tilting the head back.
- Common causes include dry air, nose picking, allergies, infections, physical exertion, and certain medications or supplements that thin the blood.
- Frequent nosebleeds (multiple times a week, lasting over 30 minutes) warrant medical evaluation as they can signal serious conditions.
- Potential underlying causes for frequent nosebleeds include poor blood clotting, autoimmune issues, pregnancy-related hormonal changes, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), or tumors/polyps.
- Medical treatment for persistent nosebleeds may involve nasal packing, cauterization, blood tests, imaging scans, or blood transfusions.