How can I treat frequent nose bleeds that last for weeks?

Doctor's Answers 1

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!

Similar Questions

What could be the cause of recurrent nose bleeds?

Simply put. There are benign causes and worrisome ones. If the frequency is unusual and lasting longer than a minute or two, I would advise you to get it checked. At the A&E, our practice would be to first examine where the bleeding occurs, if it’s at the front and easily seen it’s usually due to mucosal injury be it nose digging or blowing your nose very hard. Some medicines like acne medications can cause dry mucosa, as can cold weather and climates.

Photo of Dr Winston  Lee

Answered By

Dr Winston Lee

Aesthetic

When is nose cautery required for nose bleeds, and what is the recovery like?

Thanks for your question about nosebleeds. We usually offer nasal cautery when patients suffer from recurrent nosebleeds which originate from the superficial blood vessels at the front part of the nose. It is simple, painless and quick to do in the clinic. We use a “matchstick” whose tip is covered with silver nitrate to seal off the blood vessel in the form of a chemical reaction. Recovery is quick and patients go home afterward as they don’t need a general anaesthetic for this safe and short procedure which usually only takes approx 5-10 seconds for each side.

Photo of Dr Annabelle Leong

Answered By

Dr Annabelle Leong

ENT Doctor

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