The experts tell us that 90% of all nosebleeds originate from the anterior region of the nose. The blood vessels on the nasal septum are involved and the lining of the nose has usually thinned out and those vessels become very close to the surface. This area can easily be seen by a doctor with an instrument. If a person has recurring anterior nosebleeds, then the doctor can cauterize the spot and prevent it from happening again. Usually, anterior bleeds can be quite easy to control and it is only in rare case, that a trip to the hospital might be in order.

The other 10% are classified as posterior nosebleeds and they originate from an artery in the posterior region of the nose. Cauterization is not an option in these cases, because the doctor cannot see this area with any instrument. They do occur more often in the elderly, but that is not always the case. This type of nosebleed can be very difficult to control in the home and quite often it is necessary to end up calling an ambulance or making a trip to the hospital. A person who experiences these posterior bleeds, should definitely be following up with an ear, nose and throat specialist to determine the cause and find an appropriate treatment plan.

My husband suffers from anterior nosebleeds but in the last month I have unfortunately had three posterior ones. During the last occasion, I happened to be in a restaurant washroom when it began and I was so thankful that I was already in a place where I could lean over the sink. The blood was flowing so heavily that it forced itself through the other nostril and I was choking on it going down the back of my throat. I was constantly having to spit the blood out. Not a pretty sight, I can assure you!

A few staff members came to my aid with a firstaid kit, but because after a reasonable amount of time, we couldn’t get it to stop, they called an ambulance. It took the attendants about l/2 hr. but it eventually stopped. They wanted to take me to the hospital to get my nose packed, but because we were out of town, I declined.

So as you can see, there is quite a big difference between the two types of nosebleeds.

Statistics show that one out of every seven people will, at some time in the life, have a nosebleed. (I am talking here about an anterior type). They occur more often during the winter months, especially where the climate is dry and cold. They are most common in children 2-10 years of age and adults between 50 – 80 yrs. For some reason they occur more often in the morning.

The causes of nosebleeds and how to handle them, will be covered in another article.

You should be keeping your home and office environment as moist as is practical, especially in the dry, cold winter months. Never blow your nose vigorously but instead very gently. Also, keep the lining of your nostrils well lubricated with vaseline, especially before you go to bed at night.