Everyone experiences a nosebleed at some point. Children in particular are more likely to suffer from this. A nosebleed for no apparent reason is called a spontaneous nosebleed. In most cases, a spontaneous nosebleed is harmless.

What is a nosebleed?

A nosebleed is the escape of blood from the nose. This can be from one nostril, but also from both nostrils. This may involve the release of quite a bit of blood, but it may also involve just a single drop. In most cases, the bleeding stops on its own. During a nosebleed there is often a metallic taste in the mouth. This is because the blood can also flow into the pharynx.Most nosebleeds involve bleeding in the front of the nose. There are blood vessels on the nasal septum that are very sensitive and easily damaged. By picking your nose or blowing your nose too hard, these blood vessels open quite easily, resulting in a nose bleed. Bleeding in the back of the nose is less common. In this case, the blood mainly runs into the throat, and hardly any blood comes out of the nose.

Stop nosebleeds

A nosebleed that is not spontaneous usually occurs as a result of a blow to the nose. This should therefore be checked by a doctor. Spontaneous nosebleeds often have no clear cause. To stop spontaneous nosebleeds, it is advisable to first blow your nose thoroughly. Then the nose is closed by pinching the nose with the thumb and index finger under the hard part of the nose, where it merges into the soft part. A sitting position with the head slightly bent forward is recommended. After a nosebleed, the nose should not be blown again, otherwise the crust will come off too quickly. It is also better to avoid picking your nose.

Causes of a spontaneous nosebleed

In most cases, a doctor cannot find a clear cause for a spontaneous nosebleed. An occasional spontaneous nosebleed is often harmless. If a nosebleed occurs more often, there is usually a cause. In most cases, a nosebleed occurs due to nose picking or blowing the nose too hard. The mucous membrane and blood vessels in the nose are easily damaged, especially when the air is very dry.

High bloodpressure

Another cause of a spontaneous nosebleed is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is when the upper pressure is higher than 140 and the lower pressure is higher than 90. Most people do not notice high blood pressure. However, headache, dizziness and also a nosebleed can be one of the identifiable symptoms. Anemia can also be a cause of a nosebleed.

Medicine and a nosebleed

Some medications can cause a spontaneous nosebleed. Medicines that are sprayed into the nose, for example against hay fever, can damage the mucous membrane in such a way that a nosebleed occurs. Blood-thinning medications also sometimes cause a nosebleed. If a nosebleed occurs regularly and you are taking medication, it is advisable to visit your doctor.

Blood disease

Various diseases can also cause a nosebleed, such as Von Willebrand’s blood disease. Anyone who regularly has a spontaneous nosebleed without a known cause (nose picking, hard blowing) would do well to visit a doctor.

Pregnant and a nosebleed

Pregnant women suffer from nosebleeds more often. This is because the blood vessels in pregnant women are thinner under the influence of hormones. This causes the blood vessels to become damaged more quickly and causes a spontaneous nosebleed. The spontaneous nosebleeds will disappear soon after delivery. If they persist, there is another cause for the nosebleeds.

Nosebleeds and cancer

Although the fear of cancer is understandable, in most cases a nosebleed is not a cause of cancer. However, a nosebleed can occur with forms of cancer, such as throat cancer. Leukemia, a blood cancer, also often causes a nosebleed.