A bloody nose, known as Epistaxis, is caused by the drying of the mucous membranes which line the nostrils. Nose bleeds are common and easily controlled with time and the application of pressure.

Causes

In children, the most common cause of nose bleeds is nose picking. Other constant irritants to the mucous membranes, such as particulates or drugs inhaled through the nose, can also cause bleeding. In adults the cause may be an over-dosage of aspirin. Aspirin is commonly taken to prevent heart disease but a high dose of aspirin will also cause the nose to dry, resulting in nose bleeds.

A dry environment will also cause the membranes to dry. Air conditioners and heaters remove moisture from the air and may result in nose bleeds.

Treatment

Most bloody noses will stop on their own within a few minutes. If pressure is applied to the base of the nose blood flow to the nose will slow, resulting in less blood loss overall. For more severe nose bleeds, cauterization may be necessary. Cauterization is the act of using heat or chemicals to seal off blood vessels. This procedure is necessary only for cases of severe and frequent nose bleeds. As cauterization on either side of the septum can result in damage to the structure of the nose itself; this procedure is to be avoided if not absolutely necessary.

If the cause of the nose bleeds is a dry environment, then the environment itself can be changed. Humidifiers can help to counter the drying effect of air conditioners, heaters and the environment. Vaseline or another moisturizer applied directly to the inside of the nose can also moisten the membranes, much in the way of chap stick.

If the cause of the nose bleeds is believed to be caused by a high dose of aspirin, the dose should be lowered. A dosage of 80 mg (one baby aspirin) should adequately thin blood for the prevention of heart disease and should not cause nose bleeds.

As a Symptom

Nose bleeds are not always a sign of an underlying disease or problem, but reoccurring nose bleeds should be investigated. Drug use, Hemophilia, Willibrandt's disease and several other medical problems have nose bleeding as a symptom.