Local trauma is most common cause, followed by facial trauma and foreign bodies. Dry weather and prolonged inhalation of dry air increase risk. Septal abnormalities and nasal surgery can cause bleeding. Topical nasal drugs and medications may irritate mucosa
Nosebleeds affect about 60% of US population. Most occur in lower septum, causing blood to flow from one nostril. Can be anterior (front) or posterior (back)
Nose bleeds occur when inner lining of nose is hurt or dry. Most bleeds originate from front part of nasal septum. Common in patients with allergies, sinusitis, hypertension
Epistaxis is minor bleeding from nose blood vessels. Anterior epistaxis originates from Kiesselbach plexus, most common type. Posterior epistaxis originates from Woodruff plexus, often involving both nostrils
Kiesselbach's plexus is a five-branch anastomosis in nasal septum's anterior inferior quadrant. Area receives blood supply from both external and internal carotid arteries. Blood drains through facial, ophthalmic veins and pterygoid plexus
The nose has both external and internal parts, with external nose protecting inner nose. External nose consists of bony root and cartilaginous septum, supported by alar, lateral and septal cartilages. The internal nasal cavity is divided into vestibule, respiratory and olfactory regions. The nasal conchae divide cavities into four air channels