Active nosebleeds affect approximately 5% to 10% of the general population each year, and the vast majority of these bleeds tend to stop spontaneously. Nosebleeds are most common in the 2–10 and 50–80 age ranges. In children, nosebleeds are observed twice as often as in adults.

Nosebleeds occur when blood leaks from any part of the mucous membrane lining the inside of the nose. Depending on the location and cause, the bleeding can come from the front of the nose (anterior nosebleeds) or the back of the nose (posterior nosebleeds). Therefore, nosebleeds can be classified as anterior and posterior nosebleeds.

The causes of nosebleeds can include factors that may be nasal or systemic in origin. These differences in underlying causes also influence treatment approaches, which may range from simple first-aid measures to medical interventions such as nasal cautery in cases of recurrent or persistent bleeding. Therefore, nosebleeds in adulthood and childhood can be examined in two separate groups.

What causes nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds can occur for many different reasons in different individuals. Common causes of nosebleeds can be listed as follows:

• Cold and dry air
• Common cold
• Sneeze
• Sinus problems
• Sniffing or blowing your nose forcefully
• Medications, whether inhaled or sprayed, can irritate.
• Excessive use of a nasal spray

What Diseases Can a Nosebleed Indicate?

Nosebleeds can occur due to external factors, but they can also be a sign of certain illnesses.

Frequent nosebleeds can be a symptom of another condition, such as high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or a tumor in the nose or sinuses.

It can appear as a symptom of upper respiratory tract infection,-=

s such as the common cold and flu, as well as some easily treatable conditions such as a deviated nasal septum and chronic sinusitis.

Nosebleeds cause serious illness

Nosebleeds can also be associated with much more serious illnesses. Clotting/hereditary bleeding disorders are among the most common. If platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting, do not function properly, certain disorders can occur. This can cause nosebleeds.

Another serious problem that can manifest as a nosebleed is tumors in the sinuses. These tumors can be cancerous or benign and metastatic. Tumors in the sinuses can cause frequent and severe nosebleeds.

How to Stop a Nosebleed? What Helps?

When experiencing a nosebleed, contrary to popular belief, individuals should first tilt their heads forward. Raising the head is incorrect during a nosebleed. After tilting the head, apply pressure to the front of the nose with your fingers for a while. Then, apply ice to help constrict the blood vessels. Remember to take slow, deep breaths at this point.

How is a nosebleed treated?

As many people know, nosebleeds can be stopped with the help of a tampon. In anterior nosebleeds that cannot be stopped, a minor intervention with tampon application can be performed. In this way, blood clotting in the vessel can be achieved, and the bleeding can be stopped. If the bleeding has stopped and there is no further bleeding after the tampon is removed, softening and healing creams or ointments recommended by doctors can be used to prevent the same problem from recurring.

When a patient seeks medical attention

When a patient seeks medical attention due to a nosebleed, doctors may perform an endoscopic examination to determine the location of the bleeding. For nosebleeds coming from the front or back, cauterization can be applied to the area using small swabs with chemical substances at their tips or with a bipolar device.

In cases of persistent nosebleeds

In cases of persistent nosebleeds, doctors may apply tampons from the front or back. In these types of bleeding situations, patients may need to stay in the private clinic for 1 or 2 days and be monitored by doctors.

Doctors determine the cause of bleeding

Doctors who determine the cause of the bleeding can determine the treatment methods according to the diagnosis and may also apply additional treatment methods. In cases of severe nosebleeds that cannot be stopped with tamponade and surgical methods, patients may also undergo angiography-guided embolization (a procedure to stop blood flow).

Can nosebleeds be caused by stress?

Stress isn't a primary cause of nosebleeds, but it can play a significant role in triggering them.

During periods of intense mental stress, the brain may alter bodily functions and react differently to cope with the increased stress levels. One such change is an increased rate of blood circulation. This leads to increased pressure within the blood vessels, resulting in high blood pressure. Consequently, the delicate blood vessels in the upper part of the nasal cavity may not withstand this increased pressure, causing bleeding.

Conclusion

The most common nosebleeds in children are anterior nosebleeds. These bleeds can occur within the mucous membrane lining the entrance to the nasal cavity, which is rich in capillaries. Most nosebleeds occur unilaterally due to the rupture of a capillary in this area. These bleeds are generally short-lived and do not involve significant bleeding, and only require evaluation by an ear, nose and throat specialist if they are recurrent, severe, or difficult to control. The main possible causes of nosebleeds in children can be listed as follows:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Nasal fractures
• A blow to the nose
• Skull and facial fractures