Epistaxis is a Greek word for bleeding from the nose. Most of the time, the bleeding is minor, but occasionally it is torrential and an emergency. The nose has a very rich blood supply, and there are numerous causes for nosebleeds. Causes can be divided into local causes, within the nose, and systemic causes which pertain to the whole body.
Nose Conditions
The common cold, infections, allergies of the nose and sinusitis can inflame the nasal mucosa and cause nosebleeds. Habitual picking of the nose and blowing the nose too hard can traumatize the nasal mucosa and result in minor bleeding from the nose.
Abnormal anatomy and abnormal blood vessels of the nose are other causes of bleeding. Nosebleeds are a symptom of both noncancerous and cancerous growths in the nose. A noncancerous growth in pubertal boys, known as juvenile angiofibroma, can result in repeated, spontaneous and sometimes life-threatening epistaxis.
Trauma
Trauma to the nose, accidentally self-inflicted or surgically induced, are frequent causes of nosebleeds. Fractures of the face and injury to the nose will result in nasal bleeding. Following any operation on the nose, bleeding can occur; to prevent this, the nose usually is packed with a medicated gauze for 24 hours following surgery.
Children usually injure the nasal mucosa and bleed due to nose picking and putting foreign objects such as beads or buttons in the nose. Inhalation of steroid and other sprays can cause bleeding if the nozzle of the spray is not directed properly.
Systemic Causes
High blood pressure is a common cause of spontaneous bleeding from the nostril in adults. Disorders with a tendency to bleed--such as hemophilia, leukemia and certain genetic disorders--also can result in epistaxis. It is important to know if you have a family history of bleeding disorders.
Blood thinners, which prevent blood from clotting, such as warfarin and aspirin are frequent causes. Vitamin C and K deficiencies, alcohol use and liver and kidney diseases can predispose to bleeding from the nose.
Other Causes
During winter and in hot dry climate with low humidity, the nasal passages dry up, making a person more susceptible to a nosebleed. A nosebleed is a common occurrence of cocaine addicts and snuffers.
