Epistaxis
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A nosebleed, medically known as epistaxis, is a relatively common affliction wherein there is hemorrhage (bleeding) from the nose, usually noticed when it drains out through the nostrils. There are two types: anterior (the most common), and posterior (less common, but more severe).
There are several causes for the nosebleed including trauma (such as hitting the nose), fracture (nosebreak), altitude, severe stress, weakness of blood vessel, excessive dryness, spontaneous hemorrhage among children, and hypertension among the elderly.
It normally stops when the blood clots, which may be encouraged by direct pressure. Medical opinion is divided on whether the best position to apply pressure is the bridge of the nose or the fleshy part. It is also undecided as to whether it is better to tilt the head forward during this procedure (to stop blood flowing back down the throat) or backward (to minimize the volume of blood in the nose). Medications such as Coumadin (warfarin) that thin the blood can make epistaxis episodes worse. Over the counter herbal remedies like Ginko also thin the blood and can effect the severity of epistaxis. If techniques such as pressure, ice on the bridge of the nose, application of a vasoconstrictor to aid clotting, etc. don't work, a nasal tampon such as a rhinorocket is usually the next step. The nasal tampon stops the bleeding by applying pressure from inside of the nose and is usually kept in for 1-3 days.
Persistent epistaxis is an indication for urgent medical consultation.
Nosebleeds in fiction
In anime and manga, it is very common to see sexually aroused male characters getting brutal nosebleeds. This does not occur in real life, but is based on Japanese old wives' tales, which say that getting sexually too excited leads to a nosebleed.
