Frequent Nose Bleeds | Ask the Expert: Ear, Nose and Throat with Dr. Smedley at Utica Park Clinic

Spread the love

Question:

I get frequent nose bleeds. What can I do about them?

Answer:

Trauma to the anterior septum (the front, middle part of the nose) is the cause of most nose bleeds. It’s the exact spot that most fingers can reach into the nose. It’s the place that the nasal piece for oxygen tubing can rest in the nose. It’s also the beginning area of many septal deviations, which causes turbulent airflow that can irritate the tissues there. Any of these irritations will cause the blood vessels to become very large, with thin walls. These vessels can easily rupture “out of the blue” with increased activity, when blood pressure increases, or if the tip of the nose is contacted. Blood thinning medications can make things worse.

Most nose bleeds can be stopped by pinching the soft parts of the nose together and holding it for 10 minutes. No peeking. If it bleeds beyond that, consider medical attention. To prevent nose bleeds, use nasal saline spray to keep the nose very well hydrated and prevent the vessels from cracking. Two to three sprays in each nostril three times a day is usually sufficient. If bleeding persists, seek medical attention.