Recurrent Nosebleeds: Causes, Care, and When to Seek Help

Habitual nosebleeds

I have never had a nosebleed before, but in March or April of this year, I experienced my first nosebleed.
Since then, it has been recurring.
I previously visited a clinic, and the doctor told me that there was a wound inside my nose and prescribed me some hemostatic medication, but I didn't follow up after that.
It has been happening about once a week.
At the beginning of this month, I had a cold with a lot of nasal mucus, and I needed to blow my nose to relieve the discomfort, which resulted in having nosebleeds four out of five days that week.
Recently, I have been wearing a mask during the weekdays and have not experienced any nosebleeds.
However, on the weekend, after taking a nap on Saturday, I woke up feeling my nose was sticky and dry, and then I had a nosebleed.
On Sunday morning, after drinking coffee, I had another nosebleed.
After that, I put my mask back on, but after dinner that evening, I took off the mask and around 10 PM, I had another nosebleed for no apparent reason.
At that time, my nose felt dry, but I checked the weather, and the humidity was quite high.
By the way, my nosebleeds usually stop within five minutes, and they only occur in my right nostril.
I have a few questions: 1.
How can I take care of my nose since I have nasal allergies? 2.
Do I need to see a doctor at a major hospital? 3.
Is wearing a mask to keep my nose moist sufficient? This issue is really bothering me, and I would appreciate your help in resolving it.

jeffery, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/28

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if nasal allergies are affecting your daily life, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation and consider treatment with oral antihistamines or nasal sprays.
If you experience recurrent nosebleeds, it is often due to the rupture of microcapillaries in the nasal mucosa.
In addition to controlling allergies to reduce sneezing and minimizing nose rubbing to decrease the likelihood of bleeding, you can also seek medical attention for localized treatment of the bleeding points.
Wearing a mask can help reduce exposure to allergens, but if discomfort or bleeding persists, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for more effective management.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/10/28

More Info

Recurrent nosebleeds can be a frustrating and concerning issue, especially if you've never experienced them before. Based on your description, it seems that your nosebleeds began after an initial incident and have since become more frequent, particularly during certain times or activities. Let's address your questions and provide some additional insights into managing and understanding your condition.

1. Managing Nasal Allergies: Since you mentioned having nasal allergies, it's essential to manage these effectively to reduce the risk of nosebleeds. Allergies can lead to inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages, making them more susceptible to bleeding. Here are some strategies:
- Use a Humidifier: Keeping the air in your home moist can help prevent your nasal passages from drying out, especially in winter or dry climates.

- Saline Nasal Sprays: Regularly using saline sprays can help keep your nasal passages moist and can soothe irritation.

- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and allergens that can exacerbate your nasal symptoms.

- Allergy Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids may help control your allergy symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider for the best options.

2. When to See a Doctor: While your nosebleeds are manageable (stopping within five minutes), the frequency and the fact that they are occurring after a period of dryness or irritation warrant further evaluation. You should consider seeing an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, especially if:
- The nosebleeds persist despite home management strategies.

- You experience other symptoms, such as significant nasal congestion, pain, or changes in your sense of smell.

- You notice any unusual patterns, such as blood in your mucus or if the bleeding becomes more severe.

3. Wearing a Mask: Wearing a mask can help maintain humidity around your nose, which may reduce the incidence of nosebleeds. However, it is not a complete solution. While it can help, it’s also important to ensure that your nasal passages are well-hydrated and that you are managing your allergies effectively.

Additional Considerations:
- Nasal Care: Avoid picking your nose or blowing it too forcefully, as these actions can exacerbate bleeding. If you need to blow your nose, do so gently.

- Diet and Hydration: Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can also contribute to overall nasal health.

- Environmental Factors: Pay attention to environmental factors such as humidity levels. If you notice that your nosebleeds are more frequent in certain conditions (like dry air), take steps to mitigate those conditions.

Conclusion:
Recurrent nosebleeds can often be managed with proper care and attention to underlying causes, such as allergies. While wearing a mask can help, it’s crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes hydration, nasal care, and possibly medical intervention if symptoms persist. If you find that your nosebleeds continue or worsen, seeking the advice of a healthcare professional is the best course of action. They can provide tailored recommendations and may conduct further evaluations to rule out any underlying issues.

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