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Nasal congestion with blood: Five Things That Can Cause Nose Bleeding

Five Things That Can Cause Nose Bleeding

Dealing with a bleeding nose is never pleasant. Nose bleeds can occur for various reasons, such as weather conditions or prescription medications. A nosebleed, also known as “epistaxis,” is a relatively common condition. Most nosebleeds occur in the part of the nose you can touch with your finger and are caused by a broken blood vessel. Nosebleeds can also occur farther back towards the sinus cavity, and in these cases, it may be an indicator of a more serious condition.

Common reasons for nose bleeds.

  • 1. Dry weather
  • 2. Blowing your nose
  • 3. Picking your nose
  • 4. A broken nose
  • 5. Taking certain medications
  • 6. Sneezing (often caused by allergies)
  • 7. Foreign object(s) in the nose

If you have a nosebleed that won’t stop or are experiencing frequent nosebleeds that you want checked out by an experienced healthcare provider, Integra Urgent Care is here to help. check in online or call our office to schedule an appointment. 

We are an urgent care provider in the Dallas/Fort Worth area who treats nose bleeds and other non-life-threatening, non-chronic medical conditions. We operate three convenient urgent care center locations in Las Colinas, Weatherford, and Grand Prairie. Integra Urgent Care centers are open 7 days a week, and offer online check-in and telemedicine appointments. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit our website at: https://integrauc.com/

Top Reasons That Can Cause Your Nose to Start Bleeding

Most nosebleeds are minor and are not a cause of concern. Here are several common reasons that can cause your nose to start bleeding:

1. Weather Conditions

A change in temperature can cause the blood vessels in the nose to expand or contract, which can lead to a nosebleed. Dry air causes nasal membranes to dry out and become cracked which makes them more susceptible to bleeding. Cold weather can also cause the nose to bleed, as the blood vessels in the nose constrict in response to the cold air. Nosebleeds are more common in winter due to the cold and dry air, and more common in places with low humidity (such as high altitudes).

2. Nose Picking or Blowing Your Nose Too Hard

The nose contains delicate blood vessels that can be easily broken. When you pick or scratch the inside of your nose, it can rupture these blood vessels and cause bleeding. Blood vessels in the nose can also break from blowing your nose too hard. In most cases, bleeding will be minor and will stop on its own.

3. Medications

There are many different medications that can cause nose bleeding. Common over the counter (OTC) painkiller medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can lead to nose bleeding. People who take prescription medications for blood clotting disorders (like warfarin), antiplatelet agents, or antiepileptics are also susceptible to nose bleeds. Blood thinning medication is designed to prevent clotting, although it makes it easier for the blood to flow out of small vessels like those in the nose. Nosebleeds caused by blood thinners are usually not serious and can be treated at home. If, however, they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms it’s important to get checked out a qualified healthcare provider.

4. Broken Nose

A broken nose can initially bleed a lot based on the size and extent of an acute injury. When these bones that support the nose are broken, it can cause the blood vessels to become damaged and rupture.

5. Cold/Flu

Nose bleeding can be a symptom of both colds and flu. When you have an respiratory infection or nasal congestion, nosebleeds can occur because of the inflammation of the blood vessels caused by frequent nose blowing or damage to the sensitive lining of the nose caused by the virus or infection.

6. Foreign object in the nose

A foreign object entering the nose can also damage blood vessels. This often occurs with small children but can also be caused from any type of applicator for medication such as nose spray to address nasal congestion from a respiratory infection, sinusitis, or allergies.

What are the Treatment Options for Nose Bleeding?

There are different ways to address a nosebleed depending on its underlying cause. If a nosebleed is caused by an acute injury, the best course of action is to apply ice and pressure to the area. If the nosebleed is due to nose picking or blowing, it is important to stop these activities and let the area heal. If the nosebleed is due to allergies or a cold, over-the-counter medication may be effective in treating the symptoms and reducing the need to blow your nose.

Nasal bleeding usually stops through first-aid measures like compression, but when it doesn’t, it’s essential to find out why. Treatments at Integra Urgent Care include the following: