I keep getting nosebleeds every winter with no warning. What can I do to stop this?

1. Why Winter Triggers Sudden Nosebleeds
Winter nosebleeds are primarily triggered by the dry, cold air that characterizes the season. When the temperature drops, the air holds less moisture. This dry air, along with the use of indoor heating, can drastically reduce the humidity levels inside your home. Typically, the ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50%, but during winter, it can drop below 20%, making the nasal mucosa dry and more prone to bleeding.
Additionally, the cold weather causes the blood vessels in the nose to constrict and then rapidly expand when you enter a warm room. This can cause the delicate blood vessels in your nose to rupture, leading to a nosebleed. The combination of dry air and rapid temperature changes creates an environment where nosebleeds are more likely to occur.
2. How Dry Nasal Mucosa Makes Bleeding More Likely
The nasal mucosa is a mucous membrane that lines the nasal cavity and is responsible for keeping the nose moist and trapping dust and pathogens. When the air is dry, this mucosa can become parched and cracked, similar to how your skin might feel during the winter. These tiny cracks can rupture blood vessels, leading to nosebleeds.
Moreover, the nasal passages have a rich supply of blood vessels located close to the surface, which makes them particularly susceptible to bleeding when dry. Keeping the nasal passages moist helps protect these blood vessels and reduces the likelihood of a nosebleed.