Nose Bleeds
Epistaxis or nose bleeds are very common in children and the elderly. The bleeding can originate from several small arteries, which run very close to the surface in side the nasal passage. Trauma or irritation through inflammation can cause the tiny thin walls to break and cause nose bleeds.
Children who typically pick their noses can cause them to bleed. Colds can inflame the lining of the nose and cause nose bleeds. High blood pressure can weaken the blood vessels as well, although most people with high blood pressure never have a nosebleed.
Recurrent nosebleeds should always lead to the blood pressure being checked as well as the clotting factor. A nosebleed can be stopped by pinching just below the bridge of the nose and holding for 10 minutes, to allow the vessels to close up. Sometimes it is necessary to pack the inside of the nose to put direct pressure on the blood vessel.
In recurrent cases destroying the blood vessel by cauterization either by silver nitrate or electrical means, may be the only solution.
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