Frequent nosebleeds—what could be the cause?

Aug 12, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

First, in dry weather, the nasal mucosa also becomes dehydrated, leading to reduced mucus secretion. As a result, capillaries in the nasal mucosa become more fragile and prone to rupture and bleeding. This condition may worsen further if spicy foods are consumed during this period, increasing the likelihood of epistaxis. Additionally, some patients habitually pick their noses, which can also trigger nosebleeds.

Nosebleeds (epistaxis) are a common occurrence experienced by nearly everyone. However, frequent nosebleeds may cause concern for patients—so what might be causing recurrent epistaxis?

What Causes Frequent Nosebleeds?

There may be numerous underlying causes, including dry weather, unhealthy habits, nasal disorders, or even hematologic conditions. For instance, during periods of low humidity, the nasal mucosa becomes dehydrated and dries out. This leads to reduced mucus secretion, making capillaries more fragile and prone to rupture and bleeding. The condition may worsen further if spicy foods are consumed during this time.

Some individuals habitually pick their noses, inadvertently damaging the nasal mucosa and triggering epistaxis. Similarly, forceful nose-blowing or applying external pressure to the nose can rupture blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, resulting in bleeding. Additionally, inflammatory conditions such as rhinitis or sinusitis predispose patients to fungal or bacterial infections, which may manifest as epistaxis. Furthermore, nasal vascular tumors (e.g., hemangiomas) may bleed upon rupture.

Patients experiencing recurrent nosebleeds should seek prompt medical evaluation at a hospital to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate, targeted treatment to resolve the epistaxis. We hope this information is helpful to you!

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What Causes Frequent Nosebleeds?

Frequent nosebleeds should first raise suspicion of unhealthy habits, such as staying up late, excessive studying, or the habit of picking the nose. These behaviors can cause bleeding of the nasal mucosa—especially when combined with an unbalanced diet and inadequate nutrition, which may impair the development and integrity of the nasal mucosa. It is essential to correct these unhealthy lifestyle habits: avoid picking the nose and increase intake of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins.

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What Causes Frequent Nosebleeds?

1. Excessive internal heat (“shang huo”) is a major cause of epistaxis (nosebleeds). In particular, most people today maintain irregular daily routines, and staying up late has become commonplace—over time, this can lead to excessive liver fire. 2. Fragile nasal mucosa can also cause unexplained nosebleeds. Especially in dry weather, when nasal humidity is insufficient, the nasal mucosa may become damaged and fissured, resulting in congestion and subsequently triggering bleeding.

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Why does my son frequently experience nosebleeds?

Frequent nosebleeds are typically caused by excessive dryness and congestion of the nasal mucosa, leading to recurrent rupture of capillaries within the nasal cavity and subsequent bleeding. Children are highly active and may occasionally experience collisions; the nasal bones are particularly fragile, and a strong impact can injure the nose, resulting in traumatic epistaxis. In some cases of severe nasal injury, recurrent bleeding may persist later on. Therefore, it is important to monitor children’s activities daily and minimize the risk of bruising or trauma.