What causes frequent nosebleeds?
Jun 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In the autumn and winter seasons, decreased air humidity causes the nasal mucosa to become dry and fragile due to accelerated evaporation of moisture, making the underlying capillaries prone to rupture and bleeding. Using a humidifier indoors can help reduce the likelihood of bleeding. Repeated nose picking, forceful nose blowing, and similar behaviors can cause superficial damage to the nasal mucosa, leading to erosions that are easily re-bleeding when stimulated by airflow during respiration. Minor bleeding can be controlled by applying pressure with a cotton ball.
Frequent nosebleeds may be caused by dry climate, nasal mucosal erosion, deviated nasal septum, atrophic rhinitis, aplastic anemia, and other conditions. If symptoms recur or worsen, timely medical attention is necessary. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dry climate: During autumn and winter, decreased air humidity causes nasal mucosa to become dry and fragile due to accelerated evaporation of moisture. Capillaries beneath the mucosa are prone to rupture and bleeding. A humidifier can be used indoors to maintain humidity at 40%-60%, reducing the likelihood of bleeding.
2. Nasal mucosal erosion: Repeated nose picking or forceful nose-blowing can cause superficial damage to the nasal mucosa, forming an eroded area that is easily re-bleeding when irritated by airflow. Minor bleeding can be controlled with pressure from a cotton ball, while correcting bad habits to avoid further injury.
3. Deviated nasal septum: When the nasal septum curves to one or both sides, the mucosal tension increases on the convex side, which is more directly impacted by airflow. The mucosa becomes thinner and prone to rupture and bleeding, often accompanied by unilateral nasal obstruction and headache. Mild cases can use saline nasal irrigation to keep the nasal cavity moist. If frequent bleeding or severe nasal obstruction occurs, a septoplasty may be required.
4. Atrophic rhinitis: Chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa leads to reduced glandular secretion, causing dryness, atrophy of the mucosa, and increased vascular fragility. Minor irritation can cause bleeding, often accompanied by nasal dryness and itching. Treatment options include cod liver oil zinc oxide ointment and vitamin A/D drops to relieve nasal dryness and improve mucosal function.
5. Aplastic anemia: Bone marrow failure results in pancytopenia, reduced platelet count, and coagulation dysfunction, which can manifest as recurrent nasal bleeding accompanied by skin bruising, anemia, and fatigue. Treatment may involve cyclosporine soft capsules, testosterone undecanoate soft capsules, recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor injections, and platelet transfusions if necessary.
In daily life, habits such as nose picking and forceful nose blowing should be avoided, and nasal moisture should be maintained. If nosebleeds are frequent, heavy, or accompanied by other systemic symptoms, prompt consultation with hematology or otolaryngology departments is advised for accurate diagnosis and standardized treatment.
