Epistaxis or Bloody Nose

Ear Nose | Otorhinolaryngology | Epistaxis or Bloody Nose (Symptom)


Description

A nosebleed happens when one of the blood vessels in the lining of the nose bursts. Another name for nosebleed is epistaxis.

There are two types: anterior (the most common), and posterior (less common, more likely to require medical attention). Sometimes in more severe cases, the blood can come up the nasolacrimal duct and out from the eye. Fresh blood and clotted blood can also flow down into the stomach and cause nausea and vomiting. As a result, any trauma to the face can cause bleeding which may be profuse.

Causes

Nosebleeds may be caused by infection, injury, allergic reaction, nose picking or an object being pushed into the nostril. Nosebleeds are common in children and are usually not serious.

The signs and symptoms of a nosebleed include: (1) bleeding from either or both nostrils; (2) a sensation of flowing liquid at the back of the throat; (3) the urge to swallow frequently.

...