Why does nosebleed occur during running?

There are many causes of sudden epistaxis (nosebleeds). On one hand, they may result from excessively dry air, nasal trauma, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, or nasal hemangiomas. On the other hand, epistaxis may be a symptom of excessive stomach heat, frequent nose-picking, or drug toxicity. So, what causes nosebleeds during running?

What Causes Nosebleeds During Running?

       Patients experiencing epistaxis during running typically do so due to either excessive physical exertion or underlying medical conditions. The ambient air during running tends to be relatively dry, which reduces the nasal mucosa’s secretory function—making epistaxis especially likely. This risk is further heightened in patients with preexisting hypertension: intense exercise increases hemodynamic stress on vascular walls, predisposing them to rupture of nasal blood vessels and subsequent epistaxis. Regardless of the underlying cause, patients experiencing epistaxis should promptly seek medical evaluation and receive appropriate, targeted treatment to resolve the symptom.

Nosebleeds occurring after running may stem from nasal mucosal dryness and irritation caused by environmental air, leading to capillary rupture and mucosal bleeding—or alternatively, from elevated blood pressure post-exercise, which may also trigger localized hemorrhage. Such episodes usually cease spontaneously within a short time. Applying firm, continuous pressure to the anterior nares for approximately 10–15 minutes is generally effective in controlling the bleeding.

In daily life, applying erythromycin ointment (commonly used as an ophthalmic preparation) to the nasal mucosa can help maintain mucosal moisture and prevent capillary dilation, rupture, and bleeding. If rhinitis is present, concurrent treatment of the underlying condition may also be necessary. We hope this information is helpful to you.