Overview
Nosebleeds are common, especially in dry harmattan weather, after nose-picking or minor knocks — most come from small vessels at the front of the nose and stop with simple first aid. Frequent or heavy bleeds, particularly in older adults with hypertension, deserve a medical check.
Symptoms
- Bleeding from one or both nostrils
- Blood trickling down the back of the throat
- Light-headedness with heavy bleeding
- Frequent small bleeds in dry weather
Causes & risk factors
- Dry air and harmattan cracking the nasal lining
- Nose-picking or forceful blowing
- Minor injuries
- Hypertension and blood-thinning medicines in adults
- Rarely, growths or bleeding disorders
Treatment & self-care
Sit upright, lean slightly forward and pinch the soft lower part of the nose firmly for a full 10 to 15 minutes without peeking — do not tilt the head back or pack with tissue. A smear of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils and humidified air prevent dry-season bleeds. Recurring or heavy bleeds need examination and a blood-pressure check.
See a doctor urgently if
- Bleeding not stopping after 20 minutes of correct pressure
- Heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting
- Frequent recurring nosebleeds
- Nosebleeds while on blood thinners
- One-sided blockage with bleeding in an adult