I Have Nosebleeds Often: Why?

Seeing bright-red blood streaming from your nose is alarming, but it’s not usually a serious health concern. Nosebleeds are common, and 6 of 10 people have at least one nosebleed at some point in their life.

Though nosebleeds are common and minor in most cases, having them frequently isn’t something to ignore. If you have nosebleeds often, you need to know why.

At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates in Tampa and Brandon, Florida, our team specializes in many of the underlying causes of frequent nosebleeds, including allergies, hay fever, and sinusitis.

If you have nosebleeds often, take a moment to find out why.

About nosebleeds

A nosebleed, medically referred to as an epistaxis, is blood loss from the nose. The lining of your nose has several tiny blood vessels that warm and moisten the air as you breathe in. 

Any irritation, injury, or dryness may break one or more of the blood vessels, leading to a nosebleed in one or both nostrils. Most nosebleeds resolve on their own with at-home care, which may include sitting upright, applying pressure to the soft part of the nose, and breathing through the mouth.

If bleeding lingers after home care, you should seek medical help right away. If you have nosebleeds often, four or more in a week or at least two in a month, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out why. 

Why you have nosebleeds often

Frequent nosebleeds may develop from many causes. The bleeding often occurs from breathing in dry air, creating a cracked or crusty nasal lining that bleeds when you pick, rub, or blow your nose. Bleeding from the blood vessels in the front of the nose is an anterior nosebleed.

You may also have nosebleeds often from:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Sinus infections
• Allergies
• Hay fever
• Deviated septum
• Use of blood-thinning medications
• Frequent use of nasal sprays
• Nasal polyps

Though rare, nosebleeds may occur from a break in a large blood vessel in the back of the nose. This is a posterior nosebleed and causes heavy bleeding that needs immediate medical care. Older adults and people who have a history of nasal or sinus surgery are more likely to experience this type of nosebleed. 

Getting help for your nosebleeds 

Nosebleeds aren’t always serious, but they can be a nuisance if they occur frequently with little warning. Finding the cause may prevent or decrease the frequency of the bleeding.

If an allergy or an upper respiratory issue is causing your nosebleeds, we can help. Our specialists pinpoint the root cause of the symptom and develop a plan to treat it. 

We do allergy testing to identify allergens that may irritate the lining of the nose, as well as in-office rhinoscopy procedures to look at the inside of your nose. 

Depending on the cause, treatment may include allergy medication, allergy shots, or antibiotics. In the cause of a deviated septum or nasal polyps, surgery may be needed. Moistening the air with a humidifier may also lessen the frequency of your nosebleeds.

If you have nosebleeds often, we can help find out why. Call us today or book an appointment online at our office in South Tampa, Carrollwood, or Brandon, Florida.