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What Causes Sudden Onset Of Nose Bleeding?

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Posted on Sat, 9 May 2015
Question: I had a sudden very small nosebleed about 10 hours ago. Right nostril. Nothing precipitated it. Stopped quickly with cotton balls.
About 20 minutes ago , while sleeping I was awakened to a repeat incident. While stuffing it with cotton, suddenly the other nostril began bleeding as well. Now I have both stuffed. Blood flow seems to have stopped.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and I can understand your concern.

There are many possible causes for moderated nosebleeds including minor trauma like nose pricking ,dry weather and low humidity that cause mucosal irritation ,taking NSAIDs (Ibuprofen ,Naproxen,Aspirin ),malformations of the small arteries of nasal mucosa etc.
Other possible causes would be sinus infections, allergies, etc.
In many cases there is no identifiable causes.
Nosebleeds can be frequent in adults over 50 years because the small arteries are involved by arteriosclerosis like other arteries in the body so they are more fragile.
Since the nosebleeds was moderate and stopped quickly ,you don't need to worry.
Just observe it for some days.If you have frequent episodes of nosebleeds or the bleeding doesn't seem to stop easy ,you should consult your physician.He will do a careful evaluation of the nasal cavity and order some blood tests if necessary.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you need further help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (47 minutes later)
it has now been 3 hours since the bleeding started again, with no obvious causal act. bleeding has not stopped. is there a threshold of time after which i need to find an emergency room as my dr.'s clinic is not open saturdays?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Try to apply direct pressure by using your thumb and index finger to pinch together the soft part of your nose.
Keep applying pressure continuously for at least 10 minutes before checking if the bleeding has stopped.

If the bleeding doesn't stop after applying continuous pressure for 15-20 min ,you should go to ER.The doctors will use other methods to make it stop and do an evaluation regarding the possible cause of the bleeding.

Take care.
Dr.Rovena
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

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What Causes Sudden Onset Of Nose Bleeding?

Brief Answer: detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello. Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I read carefully your query and I can understand your concern. There are many possible causes for moderated nosebleeds including minor trauma like nose pricking ,dry weather and low humidity that cause mucosal irritation ,taking NSAIDs (Ibuprofen ,Naproxen,Aspirin ),malformations of the small arteries of nasal mucosa etc. Other possible causes would be sinus infections, allergies, etc. In many cases there is no identifiable causes. Nosebleeds can be frequent in adults over 50 years because the small arteries are involved by arteriosclerosis like other arteries in the body so they are more fragile. Since the nosebleeds was moderate and stopped quickly ,you don't need to worry. Just observe it for some days.If you have frequent episodes of nosebleeds or the bleeding doesn't seem to stop easy ,you should consult your physician.He will do a careful evaluation of the nasal cavity and order some blood tests if necessary. Hope it helps. Let me know if you need further help. Kind regards, Dr.Rovena Murati