Common Causes

• There are several common causes of occasional nosebleeds. Dry, heated air is the most common culprit, followed by minor injury to the nasal lining, including nose-picking, sneezing and blowing. Other benign causes are allergies, minor facial injuries and colds. During the winter months, a humidifier can add moisture to dry, heated air to reduce the frequency of nosebleeds.
  
  Some people have very thin, superficial blood vessels that tend to break easily. In extreme cases, a vein or artery in the nose may erupt frequently. Cauterization of the vein may be necessary to prevent frequent, severe blood loss. Cauterization is a minor outpatient procedure done under local anesthetic. (http://www.noseandsinus.net/PDF%20Documents/Nosebleeds_Cauterization_PT-INFO.pdf)
  
  

Serious Causes

• If nosebleeds are very frequent (more than once a week), very severe (bleeding can't be stopped), or are accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding or bruising elsewhere on the body, there could be a more serious cause.
  
  Some disorders, such as high blood pressure and bleeding disorders, can cause frequent nosebleeds. Illnesses such as leukemia or a hereditary condition called hemorrhagic telangiectasia may produce frequent nosebleeds as well.
  
  If nosebleeds are frequent or severe, consult a doctor to rule out underlying causes. If a medical condition exists, the cause should be addressed to reduce the frequency and severity of nosebleeds.
  
  

Pharmacological Causes

• Chemical irritants and medicines can also cause nosebleeds. Some nasal allergy sprays can irritate tissue, which may cause the nose to bleed. Drugs that can cause nosebleeds include aspirin and other blood thinners, such as Coumadin. Drugs inhaled through the nose, such as cocaine, can also induce frequent nosebleeds.
  
  

Preventing Nosebleeds

• Humidifying dry air is the first line of defense against frequent nosebleeds. After that, consider treating allergies with oral medication rather than nasal sprays, and use a saline nasal spray to keep passages moist.
  
  Wear protective head gear when engaging in potentially dangerous sports such as football, soccer and baseball.
  
  If nosebleeds are frequent, visit a doctor to rule out an underlying disorder or disease.
  
  If nosebleeds are due to medication, ask your doctor for an alternative. Otherwise, keep tissues handy and know the proper way to stop a nosebleed.
  
  

Stopping a Nosebleed

• With your head elevated above your heart, pinch your nostrils together gently using tissue to stem the blood flow. Hold the nostrils together for at least 5 to 7 minutes. Lean forward, not back to keep blood from trickling down your throat. Apply a cold compress to the bridge of the nose to constrict blood vessels. Don't blow; you don't want to dislodge any clot that forms.