What are the causes of frequent nosebleeds from one nostril?

Nosebleeds (epistaxis) can be triggered by numerous factors in daily life. Sometimes, bleeding occurs from only one nostril—what might cause recurrent unilateral nosebleeds?

Causes of Recurrent Unilateral Nosebleeds

Epistaxis is a very common condition in otolaryngology. Its causes are diverse and include both local and systemic factors. Local causes involve nasal conditions such as rhinitis. A deviated nasal septum—particularly the convex side—is more susceptible to airflow impact, predisposing it to recurrent epistaxis. Benign or malignant nasal tumors, especially hemangiomas, may also cause repeated nosebleeds. Systemic factors—including hypertension, increased vascular fragility, coagulation disorders, thrombocytopenia, and malnutrition—can likewise contribute to recurrent epistaxis.

Sinusitis can lead to mucosal erosion in the nasal cavity, potentially resulting in local ulcers and vascular dilation, thereby causing recurrent epistaxis. Upon noticing these symptoms, prompt treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroids is recommended to alleviate discomfort and restore healthy daily functioning. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma—a common malignant tumor—often arises from dietary factors or familial genetic predisposition. Its primary manifestations include nasal obstruction, epistaxis, tinnitus, hearing loss, headache, facial paralysis, and diplopia.

Additionally, bleeding is a hallmark symptom of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Typical presentations include epistaxis, oral mucosal bleeding, hematuria, gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, joint hemorrhage, and muscular hemorrhage. Severely affected patients may also experience fatigue, anorexia, fever, and splenomegaly. We hope this article has been helpful to you. Wishing you a joyful life and good health!