The blood contains at least 20 proteins, called clotting factors, and a number of blood cell fragments that are responsible for forming clots in the blood. When a person gets injured, clots form and plug the wound to prevent excessive bleeding. Those who are missing a single one of those coagulation factors or platelets are at especially high risk for heavy bleeding or abnormal bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds.
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is an inherited condition and one of the most common types of blood clotting disorders. There are three subtypes of hemophilia: A, B and C. Each type of hemophilia is characterized by the absence of a different clotting factor. The severity of symptoms in those with hemophilia depends on how deficient the clotting factors are. Some people have very low numbers of clotting factors, while others have only moderately low levels, according to MayoClinic.com. General symptoms include excessive bruising, joint pain and swelling, unexplained bleeding, prolonged bleeding from cuts and frequent nosebleeds. Treatment for hemophilia also depends on the severity of the condition. Those with mild hemophilia may only require intravenous hormonal injections, while those with moderate to severe hemophilia may need regular blood plasma infusions that contain clotting factors.
Thrombocytopenia
Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are the blood cell fragments that play a role in proper formation of blood clots. Thrombocytopenia is a blood disorder in which there are abnormally low levels of platelets in the blood. Without enough platelets, the blood cannot form clots, which results in frequent nosebleeds, excessive bruising, bleeding from the mouth and gums, and small red spots on the skin called petechiae. MedlinePlus notes that the cause of thrombocytopenia is often divided into three major categories: low platelet production in the bone marrow, increased breakdown of platelets in the blood, and increased breakdown of platelets in the spleen or liver. Factors that may cause low platelet production include anemia, cancer, cirrhosis and certain medications. Increased breakdown is usually caused by autoimmune disorders. Treatment for thrombocytopenia is aimed at the underlying condition but may involve an intravenous infusion of platelets as well, according to MedlinePlus.
Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is a thin layer made of mostly cartilage that separates the nasal cavity into two halves. Ideally, the nasal septum is placed in the center of the nose and divides the nasal cavity into two equal areas. A deviated septum is a condition in which the nasal septum is displaced to one side, making one of the halves of the nasal cavity smaller than the other. Mild cases of a deviated septum do not cause any problems. In fact, the American Academy of Otolaryngology notes that approximately 80 percent of people have some degree of deviation. When the septum is moderately to severely displaced, it can cause a number of symptoms, including frequent nosebleeds, nasal congestion, recurrent sinus infections, nasal obstruction and postnasal drip. A deviated septum may be congenital or occur after a physical trauma to the nose. If symptoms are severe and treatment is necessary, the only way to correct a deviated septum is through surgery.
