Nosebleeds

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Nosebleeds involve bleeding from the inside of your nose. Many people have occasional nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis (ep-ih-STAK-sis). Nosebleeds may be scary, but generally are a minor annoyance. Frequent nosebleeds are those that occur more than once a week.

Seek emergency medical attention if nosebleeds are severe, last longer than 30 minutes, interfere with breathing or follow an injury.

Causes
References
  1. Flint PW, et al. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..X0001-8--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05283-2&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed May 15, 2012.
  2. Alter H. Approach to the adult with epistaxis. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed May 15, 2012.
  3. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2012:5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05611-3..C2009-0-38601-8--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05611-3&uniqId=291436269-101. Accessed May 15, 2012.
  4. Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..X0001-1--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed May 15, 2012.
  5. Nosebleeds. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Nosebleeds.cfm. Accessed May 14, 2012.
  6. Nosebleeds. American College of Emergency Physicians. http://www.emergencycareforyou.org/EmergencyManual/WhatToDoInMedicalEmergency/Default.aspx?id=260&terms=nosebleeds. Accessed May 14, 2012.
MY01201 Aug. 10, 2012

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