Some Causes and Features of Nosebleeds
Cause* |
Common Features† and Tests |
Common |
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Blowing or picking the nose A blow or other injury to the nose |
In people who report such behavior or injuries |
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Drying of the moist membranes lining the nose, as may occur in cold weather |
Usually dryness that is seen during the examination |
Less common |
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Nasal discharge, sometimes thick or discolored, and crusting in the nostrils Often pain and drying of the moist membranes lining the nose |
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Systemic disorders, such as severe liver disease or AIDS |
In people who are known to have such disorders |
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A foreign object (body) in the nose, mainly in children |
Often recurring nosebleeds and/or a foul-smelling discharge from one side of the nose |
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Usually in older people |
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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 |
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Tumors (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 |
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A hole (perforation) in the nasal septum (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 |
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Bleeding 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 |
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* 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. |
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† Features include symptoms and results of the doctor's examination. Features mentioned are typical but not always present. |
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