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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe lining of your nose contains many tiny blood vessels that lie close to the surface and are easily damaged.
The two most common causes of nosebleeds are:
- Dry air — when your nasal membranes dry out, they're more susceptible to bleeding and infections
- Nose picking
Other causes of nosebleeds include:
- Acute sinusitis
- Allergies
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as warfarin and heparin
- Chemical irritants, such as ammonia
- Chronic sinusitis
- Cocaine use
- Common cold
- Deviated septum
- Foreign body in the nose
- Nasal sprays, such as those used to treat allergies, if used frequently
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin
- Nonallergic rhinitis
- Trauma to the nose
Less common causes of nosebleeds include:
- Alcohol use
- Hemophilia
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Leukemia
- Lupus
- Nasal polyps
- Nasal surgery
- Nasal tumor
- Sarcoidosis
Nosebleeds aren't caused by high blood pressure, which is a common misconception.
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- Epistaxis. In: Labus D, et al. Handbook of Signs and Symptoms. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010:256.
- Teitelbaum JE, et al. Epistaxis (Nosebleed). In Teitelbaum JE, et al: In a Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms. 2nd ed. Lippincott Philadelphia, Pa.: Williams & Wilkins; 2009:106.
- Messner AH. Management of epistaxis in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 15, 2010.
- Soyka MB, et al. Is severe epistaxis associated with acetylsalicylic acid intake? Laryngoscope. 2010;120:200.
- Alter H. Approach to the adult with epistaxis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 15, 2010.
- Nosebleeds. American Academy of Otolaryngology. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Nosebleeds.cfm. Accessed Feb. 27, 2010.
- Nosebleeds. American Academy of Emergency Physicians. http://www.emergencycareforyou.org/EmergencyManual/WhatToDoInMedicalEmergency/Default.aspx?id=260&terms=nosebleeds. Accessed Feb. 27, 2010.
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