What Causes Nosebleeds?

Injury To The Nose

Of course, not all nosebleeds are caused by underlying health issues or environmental irritants. Instead, the cause can be as simple and straightforward as an injury to the nose. The interior of the nose is filled with very sensitive blood vessels close to the surface of the skin, so any time there is a sharp blow to the nose, one of these vessels can break and begin to pour into the nasal cavity. Though this sort of cause of nosebleeds often results in particularly dramatic nosebleeds, it is not necessarily as problematic as others. Typically this will just cause a single nosebleed instead of recurrent ones, and it will finish up fairly quickly. However, keep an eye out for extreme swelling or tenderness around the nose, trouble breathing, and dark bruises around the nose or eyes. This may be a sign the nose is broken and requires more treatment than a simple nosebleed. Preventing this cause of nosebleeds is often as simple as wearing protective gear during exercising and sports.

Picking The Nose

In children in particular, picking the nose can be the most common cause of a nosebleed. The lining of the nose is filled with small, delicate blood vessels called capillaries. Scratching the inside of the nose can cause the nose to bleed. When individuals pick their nose, they often scratch at the inside of it to try to remove debris. Nose picking is a common habit even among adults. One 1995 study indicated more than ninety percent of respondents said they sometimes engage in nose picking, while three out of every four respondents said they believed everyone does. The reasons individuals pick their noses tend to vary. Sometimes it's because the nose is too moist or dry, which leads to irritation. Some pick due to a nervous habit or boredom. A nosebleed caused by picking is unlikely to be serious. However, individuals should keep an eye on their nose to make sure they don't develop an infection.