Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are usually caused by an injury or irritation to the small capillaries on the inside of your nose. They are most common in children ages three to eight years old and young adults but can happen to anyone. The most common causes are decreased moisture in your nose, trauma caused by a facial or nasal fracture, or from picking your nose. Drugs such as cocaine, anticoagulants (coumadin, heparin, aspirin), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can cause the blood to thin and not clot off like it is supposed to. A less common but very serious cause is a tumor of the nose, sinuses, or nasaopharnx. High blood pressure that is not controlled with medicine can also be a cause of nosebleeds.

Most nosebleeds will stop without needing medical attention. If you have recurrent nosebleeds or are bleeding heavily you will need to seek medical attention. One of the most common things your ENT doctor will do is an endoscopic exam to determine the bleeding site. Blood tests will be done to determine if your blood clotting factors are within normal limits. These tests include hemoglobin, hematocrit, Vitamin K levels, and bleeding time levels among other tests deemed necessary by your doctor.

To help prevent nosebleeds you can try a humidifier or lubricating your nasal passages with ointments, saline sprays, or emollients suggested by your doctor. Also refraining from picking at your nose will keep the lining of your nose intact.