A nosebleed occurs when the tissue lining the nose becomes irritated and begins to bleed. Nosebleeds are usually just a nuisance and rarely serious, however, they can be frightening, especially when they are not easily stopped. According to MedlinePlus, most nosebleeds occur toward the front of the nasal septum, the tissue that separates the two nostrils. This area has a large amount of fragile blood vessels. Most nosebleeds can be stopped or controlled by squeezing the two nostrils together and leaning forward for at least 10 minutes. Any nosebleed that does not stop within 20 minutes should be checked by a doctor.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms caused by the body's abnormal response to a normal encounter with an allergen, such as dust or pollen. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include runny and itchy nose, red and watery eyes, and sneezing. These symptoms, when repeated over a period of time, can irritate the lining of the air passages in the nose, making them susceptible to bleeding. Allergic rhinitis can also cause inflammation of the blood vessels. When this occurs, these blood vessels are more prominent and easily damaged when blowing the nose or using a tissue. According to Merck.com, rhinitis can cause the formation of crusts inside of the nose that can lead to severe, recurring nosebleeds.
Nasal Decongestant
Especially in cases of allergic rhinitis where congestion occurs with a nosebleed, the use of a spray decongestant may have the dual effect of stopping the nosebleed as well as clearing the air passages, according to MayoClinic.com. It is important to note however, that the prolonged overuse of nasal decongestants can cause drying of the air passages and lead to increased nosebleeds.
Trauma
A very common cause of a nosebleed is some sort of trauma to the nose or face. The multitude of small blood vessels that line the nose are easily damaged by any blunt force to the area, such as may occur with an automobile accident, sports injury or fistfight. If a nosebleed occurs after trauma, it may be caused by a broken nose and should be checked by a doctor.
Barotrauma
Ear barotrauma is a condition where the pressures between both sides of the eardrum are different. Generally, the pressure at the external side of the eardrum and the inner ear are the same, but occasionally there can be differences, most often due to altitude changes or infection. This pressure difference can cause pain, dizziness, mild-to-moderate hearing loss and nosebleeds, according to MedlinePlus.
Blood Thinners
Medication that interferes with the blood's ability to clot may cause increased frequency or severity of nosebleeds, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Medications such as aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix that worsen or cause a nosebleed can be adjusted by a doctor to reduce symptoms.
