Anterior nosebleeds, the bleeding comes from the wall between the two nostrils. This part of the nose contains many delicate blood vessels. Anterior nosebleeds are easily treated at home.1
Posterior nosebleeds originate further back and higher up the nose in an area where artery branches supply blood to the nose; this is why the bleeding is heavier. Posterior nosebleeds are often more serious than anterior nosebleeds and may require medical attention and are more common in adults.1
Minor nosebleeds can be caused by many things and can impact people of all ages from very young children to the elderly.
Nosebleeds can be dramatic and frightening, especially for young children . Fortunately most nosebleeds are not serious and can be easily managed at home.
Most often, minor nosebleeds are caused by trauma or an injury to the nose. Trauma to the outside of the nose, from a blow to the face (during a sports activity), or trauma to the inside of the nose (from rubbing and picking) can both often initiate
a nosebleed.
Nosebleeds can also be caused by:
Less commonly, an underlying disease process can be the cause of recurring nosebleeds. If you experience repeated, frequent nosebleeds or are taking blood-thinning medications, please consult a healthcare professional.
The two most common causes of nosebleeds are:2
| Other causes of nosebleeds include: | Less common causes of nosebleeds include: |
|---|---|
| Acute sinusitis (sinus infection) | Alcohol use |
| Allergies | Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia |
| Bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia | Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) |
| Blood thinners (anticoagulants) | Leukaemia |
| Chemical irritants, such as ammonia | Nasal and paranasal tumours |
| Chronic sinusitis | Nasal polyps |
| Cocaine use | Nasal surgery |
| Common cold | Pregnancy |
| Deviated septum | |
| Foreign body in the nose | |
| Rhinitis Sicca: Chronic dry nose caused by certain medications i.e. treatment of acne, nasally administered allergy or steroid medicines3 | |
| Nonallergic rhinitis (chronic congestion or sneezing not related to allergies) | |
| Trauma to the nose |
Nozohaem® is a transparent nasal gel that stops nosebleeds. The gel exerts gentle pressure to the bleeding vessel in the nose and hence stops the bleeding.
