The nose assists in breathing, smelling and tasting. It consists of bones, cartilage and a nasal cavity lined with many small blood vessels. Nosebleeds occur when these small blood vessels break from trauma, irritation, infection or a number of other disorders. While most nosebleeds in adults are harmless, they may be a sign of something more serious. A health care provider can assist in diagnosing and treating individual causes of nosebleeds.
Trauma
Trauma to the nose is one of the prominent causes of a bloody nose. The nose is in a vulnerable place that makes it more susceptible to injury. Many blood vessels also lie close to the surface of the nose where they can easily become injured. Trauma can be self-induced by simply picking the nose or it can occur from accidents and falling down. Lacerations to the nasal membranes or broken nasal bones can cause a bloody nose. MedlinePlus notes that the nasal bones are the most frequently fractured facial bones.
Rhinitis
Rhinitis is an inflammation and swelling of the nasal membranes. It can occur in two forms: allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis develops from inhaling indoor and outdoor allergens. Common allergens for allergic rhinitis include mold spores, pollens, dust and animal dander. Nonallergic rhinitis can trigger from certain medications, infections, stress, hormonal changes and irritants. When rhinitis forms, the blood vessels in the nose expand and fill with fluids and blood. Rhinitis affects 10 to 30 percent of adults and up to 40 percent of children in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Symptoms of rhinitis include stuffy and runny nose, mucus in the throat, sinus pressure, decreased sense of smell, and bloody noses from dryness and irritation.
Common Cold
The common cold is a contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The condition can manifest from many viruses, but it typically forms from the rhinovirus. Those who experience the common cold are most contagious in the first few days, and the virus can spread from droplets in the air or contact through shared objects. Symptoms of the common cold may include congestion, coughing, runny and stuffy nose, watery eyes, nosebleeds, low-grade fevers, and mild fatigue. MedlinePlus reports that 1 billion people suffer from the common cold in the U.S. each year, and symptoms can last from two to 14 days. No cure for the common cold exists, but relief can be found in treating the symptoms.
