What Is Causing My Chronic Nosebleeds?

What Is Causing My Chronic Nosebleeds?

How your ENT specialist can help with your nosebleed

If you have chronic, recurring nosebleeds, you know how distressing they are. Your nose can start to bleed at the worst possible moment, making you self-conscious. You don’t have to let chronic nosebleeds control your life. Help is Nose Bleedsjust a phone call away from your ear, nose and throat specialists at Parker Ear, Nose & Throat in New Canaan, Connecticut. They want you to know all about prevention and treatment of nosebleeds.

Your nose contains many small blood vessels which can break easily and cause a nosebleed. One out of seven people in the United States will have a nosebleed at some time, with the most common occurrence in children aged 2 to 10, and older adults aged 50 to 80.

Your doctors at Parker Ear, Nose & Throat want you to know why you might be experiencing chronic nosebleeds. Your nosebleed could be caused from:

  • Excessive, strong nose-blowing, which can break blood vessels
  • Allergies, dryness or infections, causing itching and nose irritation
  • Genetic or medication-induced clotting problems
  • Certain medications including anti-inflammatories or anticoagulants
  • Nasal fractures or head injuries
  • Nonmalignant or malignant tumors, especially if you are elderly or smoke

Your doctors at Parker Ear, Nose & Throat want to share a few simple tips on how to prevent nosebleeds. Remember to:

  • Use a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal membranes moist
  • Avoid smoking because smoke dries out and irritates your nose
  • Use a humidifier if you have dry air in your house or surroundings
  • Apply a light coating of antibiotic or petroleum jelly three times per day, including at night
  • Keep children’s fingernails short to prevent nose picking

You should visit your doctors at Parker Ear, Nose & Throat in New Canaan if your nosebleed lasts longer than 30 minutes or if your nosebleed happens after a head injury. Your doctors will examine your nose with an endoscope and decide on a course of treatment. They may suggest:

  • Cautery, which involves using an electric current, laser, or silver nitrate to burn blood vessels
  • Packing, this involves placing gauze or an inflatable latex balloon to put pressure on blood vessels in your nose

Don’t suffer with irritating nosebleeds, especially when help is just a phone call away. If you have chronic nosebleeds, it’s time to call your ear, nose and throat specialists at Parker Ear, Nose & Throat in New Canaan, Connecticut. They can help you get back to your life, so call today!