Warning signs of nosebleeds
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Deficiency of vitamin C and vitamin K increases capillary fragility and permeability, leading to rupture of blood vessels in the nasal cavity. Atrophic rhinitis causes narrowing or obstruction of blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, and the narrowed vessels may become damaged and bleed. Deviated nasal septum can induce vascular malformations; at the site of deviation, especially on the convex side where the mucosa is thinner, trauma from nose picking or external impact may also cause bleeding.
Nosebleeds may generally be an early sign of certain diseases, such as vitamin deficiency, atrophic rhinitis, or deviated nasal septum.
1. Vitamin Deficiency
A deficiency of vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin K in the body increases capillary fragility and permeability, making blood vessels in the nasal cavity more prone to rupture and causing nosebleeds.
2. Atrophic Rhinitis
Poor nutrition, genetic defects, or inflammatory stimulation may lead to atrophic rhinitis, resulting in narrowing or blockage of nasal mucosal blood vessels. As the disease progresses, these narrowed vessels become vulnerable to damage, which can cause bleeding.
3. Deviated Nasal Septum
The nasal cavity contains a rich network of veins. A deviated nasal septum can cause vascular deformities that trigger epistaxis (nosebleeds). Additionally, at the site of deviation—especially on the convex side—the mucosa is relatively thin, making it susceptible to injury from nose picking or external trauma.
Furthermore, persistent nosebleeds that are difficult to control may also be an early sign of conditions such as leukemia. If symptoms persist and bleeding is hard to stop, medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital are necessary.
