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Jonathan Hughes | Hemel Hempstead

Expert Care for Nosebleeds (Epistaxis) From London ENT Specialists

Nosebleeds, medically known as epistaxis, are very common and most people will experience them at some point. They occur when tiny blood vessels inside the nose break and bleed. In most cases, nosebleeds are short-lived and harmless, but frequent or severe bleeding can sometimes point to an underlying problem that needs medical attention.

Causes of Nosebleeds

The inside of the nose is lined with very delicate blood vessels that can be easily damaged. Common triggers include dryness, allergies, frequent nose blowing, minor trauma, or picking the nose. Children and young adults often experience nosebleeds for these reasons. In older adults, the blood vessels in the nose may be more fragile and bleed more easily. High blood pressure, blood-thinning medication, or conditions that affect blood clotting can make bleeding more frequent or difficult to control. Less commonly, structural problems in the nose, infections, or growths may be responsible.

Treatment Options

Most nosebleeds stop on their own with simple first-aid measures. Sitting upright and leaning forward, while applying firm pressure to the soft part of the nose for ten to fifteen minutes, usually stops the bleeding. If bleeding is heavy or keeps recurring, an ENT specialist may recommend cauterisation, where the fragile blood vessel is sealed, or nasal packing to control more significant bleeds. For patients with an underlying structural problem, such as a deviated septum or abnormal blood vessel, surgery may occasionally be needed. Preventative measures, such as keeping the nasal passages moist with saline sprays or ointments, can also help reduce recurrence.

If you’re having repeated nose bleeds, get in touch with your ENT specialist in London to book a consultation today!
020 3897 0667

When should I see a doctor about a nosebleed?
It is worth seeking advice if your nosebleeds are frequent, very heavy, or last longer than 20 minutes despite firm, correctly applied pressure. The same goes if you feel faint or dizzy, if you take blood-thinning medication, if the bleeding followed a significant injury, or if the bleeds keep coming from the same side of the nose. Heavy bleeding you simply cannot control, or bleeding alongside difficulty breathing, needs emergency care rather than a routine appointment. Smaller bleeds that keep recurring but settle with first aid are a good reason to book an ENT review.

Are nosebleeds dangerous?
Most are not, and the majority come from the front of the nose where the blood vessels sit close to the surface and are easily disturbed, so they usually stop with simple first aid. Some are more of a concern: bleeds that come from further back in the nose, very heavy bleeds, and bleeds in older adults or in people on blood thinners, where they can be harder to stop and cause more blood loss.

Can high blood pressure cause nosebleeds?
The connection is often overstated. High blood pressure is not usually the direct trigger for a nosebleed, but once bleeding has started, it can make it heavier and harder to bring under control. If you get nosebleeds often, it is sensible to have your blood pressure checked as part of the overall picture, rather than assuming it is the whole explanation.

What is nasal cauterisation?
It is a quick outpatient procedure to seal the specific blood vessel that keeps bleeding. After the area is numbed, the vessel is sealed either with a silver nitrate stick, which is a chemical, or with gentle heat. It takes only a few minutes and targets the exact bleeding point, usually at the front of the septum, to stop repeat bleeds from that spot. It is normal to have a little crusting or mild soreness for a few days afterwards.

How can I prevent nosebleeds?
Keeping the lining of the nose moist makes a real difference, whether with saline sprays, a small amount of petroleum jelly, or an ointment, particularly in dry or centrally heated air. Avoid picking your nose or blowing it too forcefully, and try not to bend down or lift anything heavy in the hours straight after a bleed.