what causes bloody noses

Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, occur when a small blood vessel in the nose ruptures. The most common cause of nosebleeds is dry air, which can dry out and irritate the nasal membrane, making it more likely to bleed when rubbed or picked or when blowing the nose. Other causes of nosebleeds include nose picking, rubbing the nose often, getting hit in the nose or putting an object inside it, blowing too hard, colds or allergies, abnormal tissue growth inside the nose, and occasionally, a bleeding or clotting problem. Nosebleeds can also be caused by infection, injury, allergic reaction, or an object being pushed into the nostril. Frequent nosebleeds within a few days are usually from the spot where a clot has formed and then comes off. To stop a nosebleed, one should sit up and lean the head forward slightly, pinch the nostrils tightly closed at the soft part of the nose just below the nasal bone, breathe through the mouth, and hold the nostrils closed for 5 minutes. If the bleeding has not stopped after a full 5 minutes, hold the nostrils closed for 5 more minutes. If bleeding does not stop after a total of 10 minutes of pinching the nostrils, one should call a healthcare provider.