Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, can be annoying and sometimes a little alarming. While you might expect one after bumping your nose, many nosebleeds happen without any clear reason. If you’re reaching for tissues more often than you’d like, let’s look at three common nosebleed causes and what you can do to manage them.
Dry Air
Dry air is the number one cause of nosebleeds. When the air around you doesn’t have much moisture, whether from hot Cleburne weather, indoor heating in the winter or time spent at higher altitudes, the inside of your nose can dry out. The tissue lining your nose is delicate. Once it gets too dry, it can crack and bleed.
Running a humidifier during the day or in your bedroom while you sleep adds water back into the air and makes breathing easier. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or tea also helps keep your nasal lining from drying out.
Inflammation
Seasonal allergies, sinus infections, colds and the flu inflame and irritate the nasal passages. That inflammation makes the lining thinner and more fragile, so bleeding happens more easily.
You can lower your risk by treating the underlying issue. Antihistamines and decongestants help with swelling, but, unfortunately, they can also dry you out, so pairing them with a humidifier and extra hydration is smart. Avoiding allergy triggers, like pollen, dust or pet dander, can also reduce irritation. And if sinus infections keep showing up, it may be time to talk with a specialist about long-term treatment options.
Physical Damage
This one’s especially common in kids. Nose picking or putting small objects inside the nose can easily break the skin and cause bleeding. Hiding small objects and helping your kids break the habit of picking their noses can prevent a lot of nosebleeds.
When To See a Specialist
Most nosebleeds aren’t serious and stop quickly. But if they happen often or you can’t figure out the cause, it’s a good idea to get checked out. At Benke Ear Nose & Throat Clinic, our specialists can take a closer look, figure out what’s behind the bleeding and find the right solution to keep it from disrupting your day.