It is important to note that nose bleeds are often trauma-related but can also indicate an underlying health issue. In most cases, it can be triggered by the break of the small blood vessels within the nose. Nose bleeding has two forms that you should be familiar with – lower and upper septum nose bleeds.
What are lower nose bleeds?
Most cases of nose bleeds occur inside the lower region of the nose in the lower septum. This is the semi-rigid wall that separates the two channels of the nose that contain blood vessels.
These blood vessels are positioned close to the surface which makes them prone to injury. Lower septum nose bleeds do not require medical care unless the bleeding could not be controlled or if it occurs in young children.
Possible causes of lower septum nose bleeds
The usual cause of nose bleeds is injury or trauma such as a direct blow or even picking on the nose. The dryness within the nose can also cause bleeding. In addition, high altitudes, allergies, colds and certain medications can cause nose bleeds.
Management of lower septum nose bleeds
Instruct the individual to sit up straight and pinch the nostrils together in a firm manner for 10 minutes. You can apply a cold compress or an ice pack over the bridge of the nose. You can apply Vaseline if the cause of the bleeding is dryness. Once the bleeding stops, instruct the individual not to jump up and down, avoid any activity and do not blow the nose or it will dislodge the clot that will only trigger the bleeding again.
When to seek medical care
- Severe bleeding
- If the individual experiences recurrent nose bleeds
- If the trauma or injury is severe
- The nose bleed does not stop after 10-20 minutes of applying direct pressure
- The victim is a young child or the individual is sick or elderly
What are upper septum nose bleeds?
When it comes to upper septum bleeding, they are considered uncommon. The bleeding starts high inside the nose and the blood gushes down at the rear part of the mouth as well as the throat, even when the individual is sitting up or standing. This type of bleeding can be serious and requires medical attention.
Causes of upper septum nose bleeds
- Diseases that affect the arteries such as atherosclerosis
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding disorders
- Side effect of certain medications
- Leukemia
- Nasal tumors
- Severe trauma
- Infection
- Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome
In some circumstances, the bleeding can also occur without any apparent reason at all.
Treatment of upper septum nose bleeds
The treatment is the same for lower septum nose bleeds. In most cases, the doctor will fill the nose with gauze or an expandable latex balloon if the bleeding could not be controlled.
In some cases, cauterization of the damaged blood vessel is required. This involves an electrical device that burns the ruptured blood vessel to stop the bleeding. The doctor will utilize a local anesthetic before the procedure is started.