Frequent nosebleeds: What causes them?

What are some causes of frequent nosebleeds?

- Karen / Minnesota

Answer

Occasional nosebleeds are very common. The lining of the nose contains many tiny blood vessels that bleed easily. However, if you have frequent nosebleeds — more than once a week — or if they are heavy and hard to stop, you should talk to your doctor.

Nosebleeds occur for many reasons. The most common cause of a simple nosebleed is dry air, such as from a hot climate or heated indoor air, which dries your nasal membranes and makes the lining of your nose more susceptible to bleeding. Picking your nose and vigorous nose blowing also are common causes. Medical conditions that may cause nosebleeds include:

• Allergies
• Sinusitis
• Colds
• Deviated septum

Rarely, frequent nosebleeds may indicate a serious condition, such as a bleeding disorder, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia or leukemia. See your doctor to rule out these conditions if you experience frequent nosebleeds that are accompanied by easy bruising and bleeding elsewhere on your body.

Nosebleeds can also be a side effect of blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as warfarin, heparin and aspirin.

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