7 Signs To Look Out For When You Suffer from Nosebleeds

Most nosebleeds are harmless. They come suddenly and stop after a few minutes. But in some cases, they can be a red flag. When do you stop brushing it off and start asking deeper questions? There are signs that you need to be aware of.

1. They Happen All the Time

An occasional nosebleed isn’t usually a cause for concern. But frequent nosebleeds may point to an underlying condition.

Some people experience them so often that they accept them as normal. In reality, frequent nosebleeds are one of the first clues to a rare genetic disorder called hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia or HHT.

According to experts at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, this condition often goes undiagnosed because nosebleeds are so common. Many people just think they have “dry air” issues. If it keeps happening, especially with a family history of the same problem, it’s worth getting checked.

2. You Notice Red or Purple Dots on Your Skin

Tiny red or purple spots on your skin could mean broken blood vessels or a bleeding issue. These spots sometimes show up on the face, hands, or inside the mouth.

In rare cases, they may be linked to conditions that affect blood vessels. If you see these spots along with nosebleeds, it’s a good idea to get checked. They may not hurt or itch, but they can still point to a larger issue in your blood or vessels.

3. Nosebleeds Run in Your Family

Family history can give you clues about your health. If several people in your family have frequent nosebleeds, bleeding issues, or problems like strokes, that could be important.

Some bleeding disorders are inherited. That means they can be passed down from parents to children. So if your nosebleeds seem to follow a pattern in your family, share that with your doctor. You may need more testing to rule out serious conditions.

4. The Bleeding Won’t Stop

Sometimes, nosebleeds just won’t let up. If bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes or keeps coming back the same day, that’s a red flag.

Knowing when to go to the ER for a nosebleed can make all the difference. If you’re bleeding heavily or can’t stop it with pressure, it’s time to get emergency help.

Unstoppable nosebleeds can mean your blood isn’t clotting properly. They might also point to a break in a larger blood vessel or high blood pressure that needs to be controlled.

5. You Feel Other Symptoms, Too

What can nosebleeds be a sign of when they don’t happen alone? Sometimes, they show up with other issues like fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

These signs might come from anemia if you’ve lost too much blood over time. Infections in your sinuses or certain blood vessel conditions can also cause nosebleeds alongside headaches or vision problems.

If your nosebleeds happen with other strange symptoms, don’t brush them off. Your body could be telling you something’s wrong.

6. You’ve Been Told It’s “Just Dry Air”

Many people hear the same advice for years: get a humidifier, stop picking your nose, or use a nasal spray. While these tips help with mild nosebleeds, they don’t always solve the problem.

If nosebleeds continue despite using these remedies, you might need to see a specialist. Persistent bleeding could mean a structural issue in your nose or an underlying health condition that hasn’t been diagnosed yet.

It’s easy to overlook chronic nosebleeds, especially in kids. But if it keeps happening, don’t ignore it. Get a second opinion if needed.

7. You’ve Had a Stroke or Other Internal Bleeding

Past health issues like strokes or unexplained bleeding could be tied to nosebleeds. Some people with clotting disorders or weak blood vessels may experience both.

If you’ve had a stroke and also get nosebleeds, it’s important to tell your doctor. There could be a link between the two, especially if you’ve never had an answer for either.

It helps to keep track of when the nosebleeds happen and how long they last. That information gives doctors a better picture of what’s going on.

What Else Can Cause Nosebleeds?

Not all nosebleeds are linked to HHT. Other health problems can also be behind them, especially if they happen often.

One common cause is high blood pressure. It doesn’t start the bleeding, but it can make it worse and harder to stop.

Bleeding disorders like hemophilia can also lead to frequent nosebleeds. These conditions affect how your blood clots, so even a small bump to the nose can cause a lot of bleeding.

Some people with liver problems may get nosebleeds more easily. That’s because the liver helps your blood clot. When it doesn’t work well, bleeding may happen more often.

In rare cases, blood cancers like leukemia may cause nosebleeds. These can lower the number of platelets in your blood, which makes it harder to stop bleeding.

Nasal tumors or growths can also be a reason. If nosebleeds come from one side only and happen a lot, it’s worth getting checked.

Long-term sinus infections can irritate the inside of your nose, too. So can autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation in your blood vessels.

When nosebleeds keep coming back or seem unusual, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. Knowing when to worry about a nosebleed can help you catch other health problems early.

It’s Not “Just a Nosebleed”

If nosebleeds have become part of your routine, don’t ignore them; use them as a reason to check in with your health. Start by keeping a simple record: how often they happen, how long they last, and whether anything else feels off.

This small habit can help your doctor spot patterns you might miss. More importantly, it can lead to answers before bigger problems appear. Whether it turns out to be something minor or more serious, getting clarity is always better than guessing.

You don’t need to panic, but you do need to pay attention.