Most of the time, a nosebleed is caused by dry air, injury or a mild illness, such as a cold. When the thin, delicate membranes in the nose get irritated or injured, the tiny capillaries in the nose might start bleeding. Occasionally, however, a nosebleed might be caused by a more serious health problem or a vitamin deficiency. If you suffer from frequent nosebleeds or if your nose bleeds very profusely or persistently, contact your doctor.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Vitamin C is important for keeping your skin in good condition. A vitamin C deficiency could cause nosebleeds, along with bleeding gums, rough or dry skin, slow wound healing and dry and splitting hair. Good dietary sources of vitamin C include cantaloupe, citrus fruits, strawberries, red peppers, watermelon and broccoli. Adult men need 90 mg vitamin C daily, and women need 75 mg each day. If you smoke, you need 35 mg additional each day. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K is one of the vitamins responsible for helping blood to clot. If you do not have enough of this vitamin stored in your body, you might experience hemorrhaging, which can start as nosebleeds. While vitamin K deficiencies are rare, they can be caused by taking certain antibiotics, gallbladder disease, Crohn's disease, blood-thinning medications and severe burns. Infants are at risk for vitamin K deficiency, because their bodies do not yet have the bacteria necessary to manufacture the vitamin, but babies born in the United States are given a vitamin K injection at birth. If you suspect vitamin K deficiency, see your doctor. Do not take supplements without medical advice, because it is possible to overdose on vitamin K.
Other Causes
If you have frequent nosebleeds, they may be caused by environmental factors, such as dry air or chemical irritants. Nose picking or trauma can also cause a bloody nose. High blood pressure, a sinus infection, a bleeding disorder or a tumor in the nose or sinuses can also cause nosebleeds. Sometimes medication you are taking, such as aspirin or blood thinning medications, can cause nosebleeds. See your doctor if you are concerned about your nosebleeds or if they become more frequent.
Recommendations
If your nose begins to bleed, stay calm. Tilt your head forward and pinch your nose shut firmly. Hold the position for ten minutes. If you let go too soon, the bleeding might start again after a few minutes. Avoid tilting your head back to reduce the risk of swallowing the blood. If desired, apply ice across the bridge of your nose to encourage the bleeding to stop. Avoid blowing your nose or sniffing in for a while after a nosebleed, as these behaviors might start the bleeding again.
