Causes of Nosebleed

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The bleeding usually comes from the lower septum (wall between the two nose channels) just inside the nose. Sometimes called Littleâ€™s area, this part of the nose has a lot of delicate blood vessels that are easily damaged.

If the bleeding is heavy and coming from further back and higher up in the nose, you may need medical attention.

The main causes of nosebleeds are:

picking the nose;
blowing the nose very hard;
a minor injury to the nose;
a cold or flu (influenza);
a blocked, stuffy or dry nose, often caused by an infection;
hayfever or other allergies;
high altitude;
excessive use of nasal decongestants; and
excessive use of cocaine.

Other possible factors may include:

recent nasal surgery;
high, or raised, blood pressure;
conditions such as heart failure, vein abnormalities, leukaemia or haemophilia;
blood clotting abnormalities (this could be hereditary);
certain drugs such as aspirin, medicines for arthritis, and anticoagulants (that stop blood clotting in other parts of the body);
being exposed to irritating chemicals; and
a tumour in the nasal cavity.