Frequent nosebleeds: What causes them?

Occasional nosebleeds are very common. The lining of the nose contains many tiny blood vessels that bleed easily. However, if you have frequent nosebleeds — more than once a week — or if they are heavy and hard to stop, you should consult your doctor.

There are many reasons why nosebleeds occur. Common causes include:

• Dry nose
• Nose picking
• Vigorous nose blowing
• Allergies
• Sinusitis
• Colds
• Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin or aspirin

Also, you may be more likely to have frequent nosebleeds if you have a deviated septum. Rarely, frequent nosebleeds may indicate a more serious problem, such as a bleeding disorder, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia or leukemia.