Ear, Nose And Throat / Question
Published: March 13, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I get about 3-5 bloody noses each day.is that normal?
Signed: Frequent Bloody Noses
Dear Frequent Bloody Noses,
TeenHealthFX is concerned about you, because recurring nosebleeds are NOT normal. A nosebleed occurs when one or more of the blood vessels at the upper part of the soft part of the nose has been damaged. While we cannot determine why you are experiencing so many nosebleeds, some common causes include:
- Picking the nose too vigorously
- Constantly rubbing the nose too hard
- Extreme weather- such as dry conditions that dry out the membranes in the nose
- Blowing the nose or sneezing frequently during a cold or an attack of hay fever
- Trauma or injury to the outer structures of the nose
- Drug use - such as snorting
- And in rare cases, extremely high blood pressure
You should discuss this problem with a physician as soon as possible. If you live in northern New Jersey and need to find a doctor, call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971-6475.
During a nosebleed follow these steps:
- Sit down and loosen the clothes around your neck.
- Lean forward slightly and let the blood flow out through your nose and not down your throat.
- Breathe through your mouth normally. Then squeeze the nose firmly just below the hard part. Hold for 5 minutes.
- Release after 5 minutes to check if bleeding has stopped. If not, squeeze again for another 5 minutes.
- After the bleeding has stopped, continue to breathe through your mouth. Do not blow the nose or try to clear any blood clot for at least 4 hours.
If the bleeding does not stop by using some of the suggestions outlined above, you should get immediate medical attention by calling your local emergency number or 9-1-1.
Get this concern checked out soon by your doctor.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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