Nosebleeds can form at the front or back of the nose. They can occur from injury, irritation, infections or a number of other disorders. Approximately one in seven people in the U.S. will experience a nosebleed in their lifetimes, and the condition tends to affect children and older adults the most, explains the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Nosebleeds can be frightening for those who experience them, but they typically occur from minor factors. A health care provider can assist in diagnosing and treating individual causes of nosebleeds.
Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis occurs from inflammation of the sinuses. The sinuses are the cavities around the nasal passages that make mucus. Inflammation of the sinuses usually develops from fungal, bacterial and viral infections. The condition can also trigger from allergies, swimming, smoking, a deviated septum and immune system disorders. Symptoms of acute sinusitis include yellow, green or bloody discharge from the nose and back of the throat; pain and tenderness; stuffy nose; reduced sense of smell; fatigue; and irritability. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reports that acute sinusitis can last up to four weeks, but if the condition is chronic it can persist for 12 weeks or longer.
Medication
Various types of medications can cause a bloody nose. The frequent use of nasal sprays, such as those to treat congestion, can cause inflammation and irritation to the lining of the nose. Medication that thins the blood can also make the nose more susceptible to bleeding. The Cleveland Clinic refers to aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and warfarin as some of the main culprits in causing a bloody nose. Warfarin is a blood thinner that reduces the formation of blood clots, and nosebleeds can be a sign that the blood is too thin. Misusing medications by snorting them can further complicate the problem by damaging the septum and nasal passages.
Deviated Septum
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum shifts from the center of the nose. The septum is the thin wall inside of the nose that separates the left and right naval cavities. Most nasal septums are slightly off center, but those with a deviated septum experience severe shifts. When the nasal septum shifts, it can cause difficulty in breathing and interfere with drainage of the sinuses. The condition can also cause frequent bloody noses, nasal congestion, facial pain, headaches and noisy breathing. A deviated septum usually occurs during fetal development or through trauma to the nose, such as in contact sports or falling down.
