Nosebleeds, also called epistaxis (ep-ih-STAK-sis), involve bleeding from the inside of your nose. Many people have occasional nosebleeds, particularly younger children and older adults.

Although nosebleeds may be scary, they’re generally only a minor annoyance and aren’t dangerous. Frequent nosebleeds are those that occur more than once a week.

Causes

The lining of your nose contains many tiny blood vessels that lie close to the surface and are easily irritated.

The two most common causes of nosebleeds are:

Dry air — when your nasal membranes dry out, they’re more susceptible to bleeding and infections
Nose picking
Other causes of nosebleeds include:

Acute sinusitis
Allergies
Aspirin use
Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia
Blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as warfarin and heparin
Chemical irritants, such as ammonia
Chronic sinusitis
Cocaine use
Common cold
Deviated septum
Object in the nose
Nasal sprays, such as those used to treat allergies, if used frequently
Nonallergic rhinitis
Trauma to the nose
Less common causes of nosebleeds include:

Alcohol use
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Leukemia
Nasal and paranasal tumors
Nasal polyps
Nasal surgery
In general, nosebleeds are not a symptom or result of high blood pressure.

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