Types of nose bleeds 'Anterior' Nosebleed The first is an 'anterior' nosebleed. 90% of all nosebleeds fall into this category. The bleeding originates from the blood vessels on the nasal septum just inside the nose. This is the area that can easily be seen by a doctor when he looks into your nose with an instrument. An anterior nosebleed is usually fairly easy to control and only in a rare case would it mean a trip to the hospital. If a person has had their nose cauterized numerous times, then the nosebleed might be more difficult to stop using the normal methods.
'Posterior' Nosebleed The second type is a 'posterior' nosebleed. This type is much less common and would account for the other 10% of nosebleeds. This type of bleed originates from an artery in the very back of the nose. They occur more often in the elderly. It is practically impossible for a doctor to 'see' where this type of bleed is originating from. They can be very difficult to control in the home environment and usually require admission to hospital with follow up management by an ear, nose and throat specialist.
