Nosebleed (or medically known as Epistaxis) is one of the most common ENT emergencies. The causes can be divided into local and systemic causes:
Local causes:
- Enlarged blood vessel (often on the front part of the nasal septum)
- Rhinitis (sensitive nose)
- Sinusitis (infected sinuses)
- Trauma (e.g. frequent nose digging, sporting injuries, road traffic accident etc)
- Tumour
Systemic causes:
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding tendencies (e.g. liver disease, low platelet count, low clotting factors etc)
- Medications that thin the blood (e.g. aspirin, plavix, warfarin)
Since you've been experiencing troublesome and frequent nosebleeds for 5-6 years, I would suggest that you visit an ENT Specialist for an assessment. It is likely that apart from a full clinical history and physical examination, a nasoendoscopy (small scope through the nose under local anaesthesia) will be required.
Enlarged blood vessels on the front part of the nasal septum are often the most common cause of frequent nosebleeds. If this is the case, they can usually be easily sealed with application of Silver Nitrate sticks. This is a simple procedure that can be performed in the ENT clinic under local anaesthesia. Hope this helps and all the best!
