Why Do We Get Nosebleeds?

What You'll Learn

• The inside of the nose has many tiny blood vessels close to the surface
• Dry air, nose picking, bumps, or colds can irritate these vessels
• When a vessel breaks, a small amount of blood comes out
• Most nosebleeds stop on their own in a few minutes
• The right way to help is to lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose

Words to Know

Nosebleed

When blood comes out of the nose

"He got a nosebleed after bumping his nose."

Blood vessel

A tiny tube that carries blood

"The tiny blood vessel broke inside his nose."

Irritate

To bother or make sore

"Dry air irritated my nose."

Pinch

To squeeze gently with fingers

"She pinched her nose to stop the bleed."

Check What You Learned

Fun Facts

• The nasal lining contains a rich network of small blood vessels close to the surface

  Source: American Academy of Otolaryngology

• Dry air, nose picking, trauma, and infections can irritate these vessels and cause bleeding

  Source: AAO-HNS

• Most nosebleeds occur in the anterior (front) part of the nose and are not serious

  Source: Mayo Clinic

• Proper first aid: sit up, lean forward, and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10-15 minutes

  Source: American Red Cross

• Tilting the head back can cause blood to flow down the throat

  Source: AAO-HNS

• The body rapidly forms clots to stop nosebleeds and repair small vessel injuries

  Source: Mayo Clinic