Causes of nose bleeds

We’ve all had them at one time or another, but what exactly are the causes of nose bleeds and why do we get them? Nose bleeds are just that – bleeds from the nose. Typically, nose bleeds start in the front of the nasal septum or at the very back of the nose cavity. The causes of nose bleeds can frequently be associated with dry nostrils, the septum becomes crusty and is then prone to bleeding. This is very often one of the main causes of nose bleeds in children, as a result of constant picking - some people remain children all their lives!

Disorders of blood clotting or nasal cancer may occasionally be directly linked to the causes of nose bleeds, but these are rare occurrences. One of the more common causes of nose bleeds of a spontaneous nature, is the use of Aspirin, so maybe a headache is the lesser of 2 evils? Some other familiar causes of nose bleeds include nasal infections; nasal congestion; the common cold; nasal polyps; allergies; a broken nose; the menopause and just plain and simple aging. Certain medications very often bring with them side effects and these can also be one of the causes of nose bleeds as too can be excessive dieting leading to rapid weight loss.

Once the causes of nose bleeds have been established hopefully they’ll become less frequent, but there are other preventative measures that can be taken to counter the causes of nose bleeds. A lubricating cream on insides of nostrils and the septum, helps tremendously. Just a pea-sized dab per nostril up to three times a day if necessary, can do the trick. Suitable, easily available creams and ointments include Vicks Vaporub, Vaseline and Mentholatum. At the time the causes of nose bleeds don’t really concern the patient, all they are bothered about is stopping the bleed, which if not stopped reasonably quickly, can be quite distressing. Heavily endorsed remedies include: sitting up straight and tipping the head forward slightly; applying direct pressure with the thumb and forefinger, whilst pinching the bridge of the nose for around 10 minutes, or applying an ice pack to the bridge of the nose to constrict the blood vessels. The causes of nose bleeds are enhanced by constant nose blowing, so a sufferer should refrain from blowing their nose after an episode for around 12 hours, otherwise they risk starting the bleeding all over again. It is important to alleviate the causes of nose bleeds by resting and relaxing immediately after an occurrence.