Nosebleed
Nosebleeds can be frightening, but they aren't usually a sign of anything serious andcanoften be treated at home.
The medical name for a nosebleed is epistaxis.
During a nosebleed, blood flows from one or bothnostrils. It can be heavy or light and last from a few seconds to 10 minutes or more.
To stop a nosebleed:
If the bleeding eventually stops, you won't usually need to seek medical advice. However, in some cases you may need further treatment from your GP or in hospital (see below).
This can be caused bya blow to the head, recent nasal surgery andhardened arteries ( Atherosclerosis ).
Anyone can get a nosebleed, but they mostoften affect:
Bleeding may also be heavier or last longer if you take anticoagulants, have a blood clotting disorder, or have high blood pressure (hypertension) .
Nosebleeds aren't usually serious. However, frequent or heavy nosebleeds may indicate more serious health problems, such as high blood pressure or a blood clotting disorder, and should be checked.
Excessive bleeding over a prolonged period of time can also lead tofurther problems such as anaemia .
If your GP suspects a more serious problem is causing your nosebleeds, they may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for further tests.
Things youcan dotoprevent nosebleeds include:
Talk to your GP if you experience nosebleeds frequently and aren't able to prevent them. They may refer you to an ENT specialist for an assessment.
Read about the causes of nosebleeds, how to treat them at home and when you should seek medical advice.
Find out about some of the main causes of nosebleeds.
Find out how to stop nosebleeds, when to seek medical advice and what treatments are available from your GP or hospital.