Nosebleed

Bleeding from your nose is also known as a nosebleed. The medical word for a nosebleed is 'epistaxis.'

Nosebleeds are very common, especially in children and older people.

Most nosebleeds are mild and do not last long.

Nosebleeds can be distressing for children, but the bleeding can usually be easily stopped with first aid. Most nosebleeds do not need special treatment.

You may have sudden bleeding from one or both nostrils.

Some people with nosebleeds may have a have a blood disorder. Other symptoms of a blood disorder can be:

• tiredness
• bruising
• repeated infections

You should see your doctor if you have these symptoms.

Nosebleeds are caused when the tiny blood vessels on the inside of your nose break. This causes bleeding. The blood comes out of your nose. It can come from one or both nostrils.

Nosebleeds can happen if you:

• pick your nose
• blow your nose too hard
• receive a bump, knock or blow to the head or face
• strain too hard on the toilet
• are in hot or cold weather with low humidity
• have an object in your nose (usually seen in children)

Nosebleeds can also be related to:

• an infection in your nose, such as a cold
• hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• some types of medicines, including anti-inflammatory medicines, blood thinners or some nose sprays
• use of cocaine

Nosebleeds can also happen with some medical conditions, such as:

• nasal polyps
• sinusitis
• leukaemia
• blood disorders that cause problems with blood clotting

You are also more likely to get nosebleeds when you are pregnant.

Nosebleeds can be a nuisance but they're usually not serious. If you have frequent, persistent (long lasting) or very heavy nosebleeds, you should talk to your doctor.

When to seek urgent care

See your doctor as soon as you can if:

• you are injured
• there is very heavy bleeding
• you are having trouble breathing or have chest pain
• you feel dizzy or lightheaded
• the nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes
• a child younger than 2 years has a nosebleed
• you are vomiting blood

It's important to seek urgent medical attention if you have a nosebleed while taking blood thinning medicines.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your recent health. They'll also ask what medical conditions you have and what medicines you take.

Your doctor will check your nose and might do a general examination.

In some cases, blood tests may be needed to see if a health problem is causing your nosebleeds.

Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist doctor.

Try to stay calm if you have a nosebleed. Most nosebleeds can be treated at home with simple self-care.

A child with a nosebleed might feel scared or upset. Try to comfort and reassure your child. Tell them that nosebleeds happen a lot and many kids get them.

In some cases, nosebleeds can be prevented. It depends on the cause.

You can help prevent some nosebleeds by:

• not picking your nose
• blowing your nose gently
• using a humidifier and putting a small amount of lubricant, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline), inside your nostrils to prevent them drying out

Treating underlying conditions such as hay fever may also help prevent a nosebleed.

If you swallow blood from a nosebleed, you may feel sick and vomit.

Rarely, nosebleeds can cause serious blood loss.

Frequent, heavy nosebleeds may cause anaemia.

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has more information about nosebleeds in children.

If you want to learn first aid try one of the many courses available through providers like:

• Australian Red Cross
• St John Ambulance Australia

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.