Self Care Articles

Is this your symptom?

• Bleeding from 1 or both nostrils
• Not caused by an injury
• If the bleeding is caused by an injury, see the Nose Injury care guide.

Causes of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds happen often because of the rich blood supply of the nose. Common causes include:

• Spontaneous Nosebleed. Most nosebleeds start with no known cause.
• Rubbing or Picking the nose is the most common known causes. It's hard to not touch or rub the nose.
• Blowing the nose too hard can cause a nosebleed.
• Sinus Infections. The main symptoms are lots of dry snot and a blocked nose. This leads to extra nose blowing and picking. The sinus infection is more often viral than bacterial.
• Nose Allergies. The main symptom is a very itchy nose. This leads to extra rubbing and blowing.
• Dry Air. Dryness of the nasal lining makes it more likely to bleed. In the winter, forced air heating can dry out the nose.
• Allergy Medicines help the nasal symptoms, but also dry out the nose. It may cause a nosebleed.
• Ibuprofen and Aspirin. These medicines increase the bleeding tendency.
• Cocaine Use. Frequent use of cocaine can lead to nosebleeds. Long-term use can cause a hole in the septum of the nose.
• Bleeding Disorder (serious). This means the blood platelets or clotting factors are missing or not working right. A bleeding disorder should be suspected if the nosebleed can't be stopped. Lots of bleeding from the gums or with minor cuts is also a clue. Bleeding disorders are a rare cause of frequent nosebleeds. Taking blood thinners has the same effect.