Vitamin K makes proteins needed for normal blood clotting and for healthy bones and tissues. A diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables should supply all the vitamin K you need. In addition, your body makes vitamin K. However, certain drugs or medical conditions may put you at risk of complications resulting from vitamin K deficiency, which may cause excessive bleeding from the nose and other organs.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Newborns are especially vulnerable to vitamin K deficiency because their bodies cannot produce enough vitamin K the first few months after birth. In adults, vitamin K deficiency may result from being malnourished, taking certain antibiotics and anticonvulsants, or having multiple surgeries. Cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, liver disease, gallbladder disease and other disorders that prevent the body from absorbing vitamin K may also lead to a deficiency of this vitamin.
Vitamin K Deficiency and Nosebleeds
If you have a vitamin K deficiency, you may be prone to nosebleeds and bruising. In severe cases, bleeding may occur in the stomach and intestine, and may be seen in the stool, urine or in the vomit. Talk to you doctor if you have certain conditions that may put you at risk of vitamin K deficiency and experience abnormal or frequent nosebleeds.
Blood-Thinning Medication
Warfarin is an anticoagulant or blood-thinning drug used to prevent and treat blood clots, and may be prescribed to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. You may experience nosebleeds if you are taking warfarin. However, you should not take vitamin K supplements if you are on warfarin, as this makes the drug ineffective. Talk to your doctor if you experience complications from warfarin, including nose bleeding and other symptoms.
Other Causes of Nosebleeds
Occasional nosebleeds are common and rarely life-threatening. Nosebleeds may occur because of irritation, physical blockage, allergies, colds or sinusitis. Prolonged use of decongestant nasal sprays may also cause nosebleeds. You may also experience nosebleeds during winter if the nostrils dry out. However, contact your doctor if you have frequent, repeated nosebleeds that last more than 20 minutes, as these may be signs of more serious diseases or conditions.
Member Comments