Simply put, a nosebleed is blood flowing from the tissues lining the inside of the nose.
Nosebleeds are common. Around 60% of people experience at least one nosebleed in their lifetime. Because the nose is located in the center of the face and the nasal lining contains many blood vessels close to the surface, it is especially vulnerable to injury and bleeding.
Are Nosebleeds Serious?
While nosebleeds can be alarming, most are not serious and can be treated at home. However, in some cases, medical attention is necessary—particularly if nosebleeds are frequent, which may be an early sign of an underlying medical condition that requires investigation.
Some types of nosebleeds involve larger blood vessels and cause heavy bleeding, potentially becoming dangerous. Medical attention is needed, especially if the bleeding results from trauma and does not stop after 20 minutes of pressure.
Types of Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are categorized based on the location of the bleeding:
Anterior nosebleeds: Start from the front of the nose, typically from the septum (the wall dividing the two nostrils). Small, delicate capillaries in this area break easily. This is the most common type, especially in children, and usually not serious. It can typically be managed at home.
Posterior nosebleeds: Originate deep within the nose, from larger blood vessels near the throat. These are more serious and can cause significant bleeding down the back of the throat. They occur more often in older adults and may require emergency care.
Who Gets Nosebleeds?
Anyone can have a nosebleed, but they are more common in:
Children (ages 2–10): Often due to dry air, colds, allergies, nose picking, or inserting objects into the nose.
Adults (ages 45–65): Older adults may have slower blood clotting and are more likely to be on blood thinners, have high blood pressure, hardened arteries, or blood clotting disorders.
Pregnant women: Blood vessels in the nose expand during pregnancy, increasing pressure on the delicate nasal lining.
People taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin.
Individuals with clotting disorders, like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
Causes of Nosebleeds
There are many causes—most are not serious. The most common cause is dry air, which can result from hot climates or heated indoor environments. This dries out and cracks the nasal lining, making bleeding more likely.
Other common causes include:
Nose picking
Upper respiratory infections (cold, sinusitis), frequent sneezing, coughing, or nose blowing
Nasal or facial trauma
Inserting objects into the nose
Allergic or non-allergic rhinitis
Blood-thinning medications (aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin)
Cocaine or drug use
Chemical irritants (e.g., cleaning products, fumes)
High altitude (dry, low-oxygen air)
Deviated septum
Overuse of nasal sprays or decongestants (which dry out nasal membranes)
Less common causes include:
Alcohol use
Clotting disorders (hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, leukemia)
High blood pressure
Atherosclerosis
Facial or nasal surgery
Nasal tumors or polyps
Immune thrombocytopenia
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Pregnancy
How to Stop a Nosebleed
Follow these steps:
Stay calm.
Sit upright and lean your body and head slightly forward (not backward) to prevent blood from flowing into your throat and causing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Breathe through your mouth.
Use a tissue or moist towel to catch the blood.
Pinch the soft part of the nose (not the bony bridge) firmly with your thumb and index finger.
Hold continuously for at least 5 minutes without checking. If bleeding continues, pinch for another 10 minutes.
Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in cloth to the bridge of the nose to constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding (optional for comfort).