Bone marrow is a spongy tissue inside of the bones that is responsible for producing new blood cells. Once produced, blood cells move into the blood plasma, which contains platelets and other proteins, called coagulation factors, which help the blood clot and prevent abnormal or excessive bleeding. Any disease or condition that disrupts this process can cause frequent bloody noses.
Myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis is a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy bone marrow inside of the bone. Bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells. When it is replaced with scar tissue, it cannot perform its function and the liver and spleen try to compensate by making blood cells. This causes the liver and spleen to swell and results in other conditions, such as anemia. MedlinePlus notes that the cause of myelofibrosis is unknown. Symptoms include abdominal fullness, bone pain, easy and excessive bruising, frequent bloody noses, fatigue, increased risk of infections and shortness of breath. Myelofibrosis cannot be cured, but treatment options are available to reduce the severity of symptoms. Treatment may consist of blood transfusions, medications, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and removal of the spleen.
Factor II Deficiency
Factor II deficiency is a blood clotting disorder that occurs as a result of lack of factor II, which is a substance called a prothrombin that is necessary for blood to form clots. When any of the substances needed for blood clotting are missing, it can result in excessive and abnormal bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds. Other symptoms of factor II deficiency include excessive bleeding from a cut or after surgery, heavy periods and easy bruising. Factor II deficiency is usually caused by a vitamin K deficiency, severe liver disease or the chronic use of blood thinners. There is no cure for factor II deficiency, but blood plasma transfusions can help control excessive bleeding. If factor II deficiency is caused by a vitamin K deficiency, oral or intravenous supplementation of the vitamin may be helpful.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low count of blood platelets, or thrombocytes. Blood platelets are blood cell fragments that come together to form clumps to stop a cut or wound in a blood vessel from bleeding excessively. MayoClinic.com notes that most people have between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Those with thrombocytopenia do not have enough platelets in the blood to control bleeding. This results in excessive bruising, extensive bleeding from cuts, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in urine, heavy periods and small red spots on the skin called petechiae. Thrombocytopenia may occur as a result of a reduction in platelet production, trapping of platelets in the spleen or increased breakdown of platelets, says MayoClinic.com. If a cause of thrombocytopenia can be identified, treatment focuses on correcting the underlying condition. In cases where the cause is unknown, treatment consists of transfusions of blood plasma to reduce bleeding.
