It is important to try to determine if the nosebleed is anterior or posterior. Tumors, both malignant (cancerous) and nonmalignant (benign), must be considered, particularly in older patients or smokers.Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a disorder involving birthmark-like blood vessel growths inside the nose.Fractures of the nose or the base of the skull (a nosebleed occurring after a head injury should raise suspicion of serious concern).Medications that prevent blood clotting (e.g., anticoagulants like coumadin/warfarin, XARELTO®, or anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin).Problems with bleeding caused by genetic or inherited clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia or vonWillebrand’s disease).Vigorous nose blowing that ruptures superficial blood vessels.Allergies, infections, or dryness that cause itching and lead to picking the nose.Anterior nosebleeds are also common in dry climates, or during winter months when dry, heated indoor air dehydrates the nasal membranes and makes the blood vessels more likely to rupture.Ĭauses of recurring or frequent nosebleeds may include: Irritation from blowing the nose or scraping with the edge of a sharp fingernail is enough to tear the vessels and cause a nose bleed. The septum contains blood vessels that can be easily damaged. Most nosebleeds are in the front part of the nose and start on the nasal septum, the wall that separates the two sides of the nose.