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What Causes Severe Nose Bleed?

Posted on Mon, 27 Oct 2014

Question: My wife had a severe nose bleed late yesterday. It took one half hour to stanch the bleeding. I think she may have fainted or gone into shock for a short time. Possible causes? Treatment? I want her to go to an e.r., urgent
care, or ent today. Anything else we should do? She takes daily baby aspirin.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hypertension

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

The most common cause for bleeding from the nose in your age group is hypertension. Please check your blood pressure to see if it is within the normal range.
The other common cause are nose picking, minor trauma, and bleeding disorders.

Here is what you should do

1. Most bleedings stop spontaneously by applying pressure over the nostril.
2. Approch the ER for nasal packing if the bleeding is persistant
3. The following tests will be of help. Platelet count, INR and x ray of the PNS
4. Tab Transexemic acid will also help in stopping the bleeding

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (12 hours later)

My wife has had several serious nosebleeds during the past year. Is there anything she can do to prevent subsequent nosebleeds. Her blood pressure is usually around 110 over 60 unmedicated. She takes the baby aspirin every other day. She is significantly overweight, but otherwise in excellent health for her age.

Thank you, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

If the nose bleeds are recurrent then the best available option is to approach an ENT specialist to cauterize the bleeding point. The most common cause of bleeding from the nose is from a are known as Little's area, if this area is cauterized no further episodes of bleeding will occur.
Medical management includes

1. Humidifying the air in the house with a humidifier
2. Nasal drops to keep the Little's area moist
3. Oxymetazoline drops to stop bleeding

I hope I was of help

Regards

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