Some Causes and Features of Nosebleeds
Some Causes and Features of Nosebleeds
Cause* | Common Features† and Tests |
|---|---|
Common | |
Blowing or picking the nose A blow or other injury to the nose | In people who report such behavior or injuries |
Drying of the moist membranes lining the nose, as may occur in cold weather | Usually dryness that is seen during the examination |
Less common | |
Usually in older people | |
Bleeding disorders Bleeding Due to Clotting Disorders (coagulopathies) | In people who have had nosebleeds or other bleeding in other areas, such as the gums Blood tests, such as a complete blood cell count and tests to measure how quickly blood clots, may be done |
Often recurring nosebleeds and/or a foul-smelling discharge from one side of the nose | |
A hole (perforation) in the nasal septum Perforations of the Septum Inside the nose is the nasal cavity, which is divided into two passages by the nasal septum. The nasal septum is composed of both bone and cartilage and extends from the nostrils to the back... read more (which divides the interior of the nose in two) | A hole that can be seen during the examination Sometimes in people who snort cocaine frequently |
Nasal infections (such as a cold Common Cold The common cold is a viral infection of the lining of the nose, sinuses, and throat. Many different viruses cause colds. Usually, colds are spread when a person's hands come in contact with... read more or sinusitis Sinusitis Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, most commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection or by an allergy. Some of the most common symptoms of sinusitis are pain, tenderness, nasal congestion... read more ) | Nasal discharge, sometimes thick or discolored, and crusting in the nostrils Often pain and drying of the moist membranes lining the nose |
Dilated small blood vessels (telangiectasias) on the face, lips, membranes lining the mouth and nose, and tips of the fingers and toes Usually in people with family members who have the disorder | |
Systemic disorders, such as severe liver disease Overview of Liver Disease Liver disease can manifest in many different ways. Characteristic manifestations include Jaundice (a yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes) Cholestasis (reduction or stoppage... read more or AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection | In people who are known to have such disorders |
Tumors Overview of Mouth, Nose, and Throat Cancers Cancers of the mouth, nose, and throat develop in almost 65,000 people in the United States each year. These cancers are more common among men because males who smoke continue to outnumber females... read more (noncancerous or cancerous) of the nose or sinuses | Sometimes a mass that can be seen inside the nose Bulging of the side of the nose Computed tomography (CT) may be done |
* Conditions that can cause nosebleeds are more likely to cause nosebleeds in people who also have a bleeding disorder or who take drugs that interfere with blood clotting. In such people, bleeding is often more severe and difficult to treat. | |
† Features include symptoms and results of the doctor's examination. Features mentioned are typical but not always present. | |
