Recurrent Nosebleed While on Aspirin Therapy
A 26-year-old male with a medical background of Lynch syndrome (currently on a daily dose of 650mg aspirin), ADHD (managed with methylphenidate), and depression (treated with fluoxetine) is experiencing recurring nosebleeds. Yesterday, I often found myself picking my nose due to a sensation of obstruction, which led to a minor nosebleed following a few forceful sneezes this morning. Later in the evening, while taking a shower, the bleeding resumed and has persisted for several hours without complete cessation. Fortunately, the quantity of blood lost has been minimal; I've been able to control it by packing the affected nostril and applying pressure. I don't feel lightheaded at all, but I'm puzzled as to why the bleeding recurs when I change the packing, and I'm seeking advice on how to address this problem in the long run. Moreover, I've certainly learned not to pick my nose anymore.
Answers (1)

7/2/2025, 2:30:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with bothersome recurrent nosebleeds, which can be frustrating, especially while on aspirin therapy. Given your background of Lynch syndrome and current medications, it's essential to address both the immediate symptoms and the underlying factors contributing to the nosebleeds.
Main Points:
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis) can be aggravated by aspirin: Aspirin can affect blood clotting, which may lead to increased bleeding.
- Environmental and behavioral factors: Nose-picking and dry conditions can worsen symptoms.
- Management strategies: Focus on both prevention and control of nosebleeds.
Explanation:
Aspirin is a blood thinner that reduces clot formation; in your case, it might be making the blood vessels in your nose more prone to bleeding. Other factors like dry air, nasal obstruction, and trauma (like nose-picking or sneezing) contribute to recurrent nosebleeds. Your awareness of certain behaviors, such as avoiding nose-picking, is an important first step towards managing the situation.
Next Steps:
-
Moisturize Your Nasal Passages:
- Use a saline nasal spray several times a day to keep your nasal passages moist.
- Consider using a humidifier in your home, especially during dry seasons, to prevent dryness.
-
Control the Environment:
- Ensure that the air in your living space isn’t too dry. If necessary, consider a humidification device.
-
Gentle Nose Care:
- Avoid nose-picking and forceful sneezing.
- When sneezing, try to do so with your mouth open to reduce pressure in the nasal passages.
-
Immediate Bleed Control:
- Continue using the packing method you've described, but ensure you're applying consistent pressure for about 10-15 minutes without interruption.
- Lean forward slightly to reduce blood flow down the throat.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep a log of when nosebleeds occur, their duration, and any associated activities. This may help identify patterns or triggers.
If the nosebleeds persist despite these measures, or if they become more frequent or severe, you may need to reassess your aspirin dosage or discuss other management strategies with a healthcare professional. It's also worthwhile to mention your experiences regarding nosebleeds at your next medical appointment.
Feel reassured that while recurrent nosebleeds can be annoying, with careful management, you can reduce their frequency and severity.
Related Questions
Back Muscle Spasms
I'm a 19-year-old male and I've experienced muscle spasms in my back and arms for as long as I can recall. I use the term "spasm" since I'm not entirely sure what else to label this sensation. Essentially, whenever I engage in any form of physical activity—whether it’s walking, working out, or any task that requires physical effort—I sometimes encounter this strange cramping sensation in my back and arms. I would characterize it as feeling like tight knots developing, primarily localized on the side of my back, near where my lateral muscles are, and also around the triceps area of my arms. This discomfort can persist from a few seconds to as long as 10 or 15 minutes, and it predominantly occurs on the left side of my body; however, I do experience it on the right side occasionally, as well. As I mentioned previously, these spasms can strike at any moment during physical exertion, even if I’m not directly using the aforementioned muscle groups. Interestingly, if my body is under any kind of stress or strain, those muscles tend to cramp regardless. Additionally, I’ve heard that increasing salt intake can help alleviate cramps, but it hasn’t made a difference for me in this situation. The pain feels coordinated, as if it travels in a straight line from my lats down through to my arms, and they seem to cramp together. Aside from this, there’s not much else I can elaborate on.
Unexpected Diaphragm Twitches Following a Minor Motorcycle Incident
At 19 years old, weighing 60 kilograms and standing at a height of 5 feet 8 inches, I've encountered a curious issue. I have obsessive-compulsive disorder, which might be relevant to my situation. Recently, during a light rain, my motorcycle's rear tire lost traction while I was traveling at a slow speed, around 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. As I attempted to brake, I lost control and fell, hitting my head against the pavement—a hard lesson learned, especially since I wasn’t wearing a helmet. Fortunately, the swelling from the impact was minimal and has since subsided without any lingering symptoms. However, I did sustain a bruise to my lower left rib area, which also healed naturally over the next few days. Despite recovering from these injuries, I've been experiencing an unusual sensation beneath my ribcage, where my diaphragm is located. It feels as though it is fluttering or twitching intermittently. Can anyone provide insight into what might be causing this? Thank you for your assistance!
Rash in Infants
Age: 6 months Gender: Male Height: 28 inches Weight: 16 pounds Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of symptoms: 2 to 3 days We noticed a rash on our baby yesterday, starting on his arms. The rash on his arms has since resolved, but it has now spread to his cheeks. During our visit to the pediatrician, they suggested seeking another professional opinion. However, neither doctor could provide a definitive diagnosis; they suspected it might be a viral rash and advised monitoring its development. Interestingly, they explicitly ruled out hand, foot, and mouth disease, although I have my doubts about that. What insights can you provide from the expertise of the Reddit community? Existing health issues: None reported. Current treatments: None prescribed. UPDATE: All behaviors are normal, including feeding, diaper usage, and sleep patterns. There is no fever present.
Is It Safe to Give Myself Bruises?
Hello everyone! I have a habit of giving myself black eyes from time to time. I find the appearance and sensation quite appealing. This occurs about twice a month, and I make an effort to switch between each eye. I’m curious if there are any significant dangers associated with this practice, such as the risk of serious injury or impairment of my vision, or is it merely a benign form of bruising? I appreciate your insights! - F19
Can Bacterial Vaginosis Be Detected When Testing for Yeast?
I am currently 18 weeks into my first pregnancy and have been experiencing persistent itching in my genital area for several weeks. Initially, I assumed it was a stubborn yeast infection. During my last visit to the obstetrician, he performed a swab test for yeast and checked the sample under a microscope. He confirmed the presence of yeast with a quick, “Yep, it’s positive for yeast,” then he prescribed medication and sent me on my way. However, after visiting my primary care doctor yesterday for another swab due to ongoing discomfort, I received my test results, which indicate that I have both yeast and bacterial vaginosis (BV). I am aware that BV can pose risks during pregnancy, and now I’m worried that I may have been dealing with it for an extended period without any awareness. When my obstetrician examined the yeast sample under the microscope, would he have also been able to identify BV if it was present? I apologize if this question seems naive, but I’m trying to understand how long I might have been affected by this condition.