Nosebleeds

A bloody nose is usually synonymous with nasal dryness. Going from a moist climate to a dry one, taking a cross-country flight, or living at a high altitude can cause our sinuses to dry out and bleed. Sometimes even a seasonal change can bring on bleeding; winter weather is notorious for chapping both lips and noses. 

What Causes Nosebleeds?

The insides of our noses are lined with hundreds of tiny blood vessels. When those vessels are broken or damaged, they bleed. Luckily, most of us will only experience a nosebleed when something unusual causes a change to the inside of our nose, such as: 



  • Excessive nose blowing 
  • Dryness 
  • Sinus infection (sinusitis) 
  • Physical trauma 
  • Chafing 
  • Blood-thinning medications 
  • Frequent sneezing 

How to Stop a Nosebleed

Before you start stuffing tissue up your nose (it will only do more damage!), try this: 


  1. Sit down. 
  2. Lean forward. You want the blood to run out of your nose—not down your throat. 
  3. Pinch your nose along the soft part of your bridge, just below where the bony part ends. 
  4. Hold it for 10 minutes. 


 Avoid blowing your nose for a while after the nosebleed has stopped. A little Vaseline® on a cotton ball can help the inside of the nose heal as well, but give it at least 30 minutes before applying. 



If your nosebleed hasn’t stopped within 20 minutes, please give us a call today.

Chronic Nosebleeds

Some people’s blood vessels are very close to the surface of the nose. This means that it’s much easier for them to get a nosebleed. While most cases can be controlled with proper hydration and care, severe chronic nosebleeds may require surgical intervention. 


  • Cautery uses a small laser to burn or “seal” blood vessels in the nose, making it much less likely that they’ll bleed again. 
  • Septal surgery straightens the septum in your nose, taking pressure off overworked nasal passages. 
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