Nosebleeds

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can access exceptional care for nosebleeds. As a global leader in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For over a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck conditions.

Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for complex specialty care according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT and head and neck conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists has pioneered many of the otorhinolaryngological techniques used today and is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety.

When you need nosebleed care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.

Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from Healthwise’s health information library.

What Are Nosebleeds

A nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, is the loss of blood from the tissue that lines the inside of the nose. There are two types of nosebleeds: anterior and posterior. Anterior nosebleeds result from a bleed in the fragile capillaries and small blood vessels at the front of the nose. Posterior nosebleeds result from a bleed in the larger blood vessels at the back of the nose near the throat. Typically, the only symptom of a nosebleed is blood coming from the nose. In patients with posterior nosebleeds, some blood may drain down the back of the throat, causing discomfort.

Causes of Nosebleeds

The most common cause of nosebleeds is dry air, which causes the nasal membrane to dry out, making it more susceptible to cracking and bleeding. Other causes include:

  • Allergies
  • Blood-thinning medications, e.g. aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and warfarin
  • Chemical irritants
  • Deviated septum, an abnormality in the shape of the wall that separates the two sides of the nose
  • Frequent use of nasal sprays
  • High altitudes
  • Infections
  • Recreational drug use, e.g. cocaine or other inhaled drugs

Additional, less common causes include:

  • Alcohol use
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Bleeding conditions, e.g. hemophilia, von Willebrand disease
  • Facial and nasal surgery
  • Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
  • High blood pressure
  • Immune thrombocytopenia
  • Leukemia
  • Nasal polyps
  • Nasal tumors
  • Pregnancy

Signs & Symptoms of Nosebleeds

The main symptom of epistaxis, or a nosebleed, is blood dripping or running from the nose. Bleeding may occur in one or both nostrils and can range from a trickle to a strong flow.

Diagnosing Nosebleeds

Following a physical examination and a discussion of the symptoms–including questions about the duration, frequency and amount of blood–a physician may order X-rays, a computed tomography (CT) scan or blood tests to check for bleeding disorders, blood vessel abnormalities or nasal tumors.

Treating Nosebleeds

Treatment for nosebleeds depends on the source of the bleeding and may include:

  • Cauterization to seal the bleeding blood vessel
  • Ligation to tie off the bleeding blood vessel
  • Medication adjustments
  • Nasal packing
  • Surgery to correct a deviated septum