- With Mayo Clinic hematologist
Ruben Mesa, M.D.
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Ruben Mesa, M.D.
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D.
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology and is a consultant and section head in the Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an associate professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
The Chicago-area native's primary field of interest is hematology with special interests in both acute and chronic leukemias — specifically the chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs).
"I believe patients' understanding of their disease is a critical first step in the healing process," he says. "I believe that the Internet, carefully used, is a phenomenal resource for patients to be able to access high-quality and valuable information to understand both their diseases and various treatments."
Dr. Mesa has been with Mayo Clinic throughout his training since 1991 and is a graduate of Mayo Medical School. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Physicians.
His scholarship has focused on advancing the understanding and therapy of the chronic myeloproliferative disorders. In these disorders, he has been active in evaluating novel therapeutics, implementing clinical trials, working with quality of life studies, and actively involved with national patient groups.
He is supported in these efforts by research funding from the National Cancer Institute, the MPD Foundation, and Mayo Clinic's Hematologic Malignancy Program. He is principal investigator in several trials specifically for myelofibrosis, and is organizing a trial using exercise to counteract MPD-associated fatigue. He is committed to improving the therapy and quality of life in MPD patients. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on these disorders.
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Question
Frequent nosebleeds: What causes them?
What are some causes of frequent nosebleeds?
Answer
from Ruben Mesa, M.D.
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.
