Jess Napier from Edinburgh claims that she was booted from the Calvin Harris concert at Hampden Park and accused of taking cocaine, however the 20-year-old says in actuality she is just prone to nosebleeds. This may leave some wondering what causes unexpected nosebleeds.
While nosebleeds commonly start after some sort of physical blow or excessive contact, they can appear out of nowhere for some. In many cases it is not much to worry about, although it can be frustrating at times.
In some other cases, however, regular and seemingly unexplained nosebleeds could be a result of underlying health conditions, which is why it's important to get regular nosebleeds checked out. Here are some of the causes that may lead to unexpected nosebleeds, according to NHS Scotland.
What causes unexpected nosebleeds?
There are two main types of nosebleeds, which can both have numerous causes that may seem to appear out of nowhere.
Firstly there is an anterior nosebleed, the more common type in which bleeding comes from the wall between the two nose channels. There is also the posterior nosebleed, which is when the bleeding comes from branches of arteries in your nasal cavity.
While physical trauma can cause both types of nose bleed, they can also both be caused by differing underlying conditions which may not be entirely obvious. Here are causes of each type of nosebleed that may not be apparent right away.
Anterior nosebleed
- blowing your nose very hard
- a blocked or stuffy nose often caused by an infection such as a cold or flu
- sinusitis – an infection of the small, air-filled cavities inside your cheekbones and forehead
- dry air or an increase in temperature drying out the inside of your nose
- hay fever or other allergies
- high altitude
- a crooked nasal septum (either present from birth or caused by an injury)
Posterior nosebleeds
- hardened arteries (atherosclerosis)
- medicines that cause you to bleed more easily, including aspirin and anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin
- a tumour in the nasal cavity
- a blood clotting abnormality – such as haemophilia or von Willebrand disease
- hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) – an inherited genetic condition that affects the blood vessels
Another cause of posterior nosebleeds could be leukaemia, although this is rare and you're likely to have other symptoms as well according to NHS guidance.
Jess, who was removed from the Calvin Harris gig, says her nosebleeds are currently under investigation by NHS Lothian. While in most cases the cause of persistent nosebleeds will be mild and there may even be a quick way to treat them it's always worthwhile checking with a GP.
If you have a nosebleed that lasts longer than 20 minutes, or if you have a severe nosebleed that makes you feel lightheaded or makes you struggle to breath you should call 999 or get someone to drive you to your nearest accident and emergency.
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