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Orinda Today
By the People, for the People
Why Winter Nosebleeds Strike More Often After 50 — And How to Keep Them at Bay
Dry heat and aging nasal tissues can trigger "nosebleed season" for older adults.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:23pm
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For many adults, especially those in their 50s and 60s, the shift to winter weather ushers in "nosebleed season" due to the combination of dry indoor heat and midlife changes to nasal tissues. Experts explain that the cluster of blood vessels in the nasal septum is designed to moisturize and warm the air entering our noses, but if one of those vessels is right at the surface and bursts or gets scratched, it will bleed a lot. As we age, the nasal lining naturally becomes thinner and more delicate, similar to the way aging skin loses elasticity, making people more susceptible to nosebleeds. Certain medications like blood thinners and anti-inflammatories can also increase the risk.
Why it matters
Nosebleeds are a common but often annoying and disruptive condition, especially for older adults. Understanding the causes and prevention methods can help people manage this seasonal issue and avoid the inconvenience and potential health risks of frequent nosebleeds.
The details
The dry air and home heat during the winter months are two major factors that contribute to increased nosebleeds. The cluster of blood vessels in the nasal septum is designed to moisturize and warm the air entering our noses, but if one of those vessels bursts or gets scratched, it will bleed a lot. People are also more likely to catch colds and other respiratory illnesses during the winter, which can irritate the nasal tissues and lead to more nose-blowing and nose-rubbing. As we age, the nasal lining naturally becomes thinner and more delicate, similar to the way aging skin loses elasticity, making people more susceptible to nosebleeds. Hormonal changes, especially for women going through menopause, can also affect the mucosal lining. Additionally, many people begin taking medications in their 50s and 60s, such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatories, that can increase the risk of nosebleeds by decreasing the ability to form blood clots.
- Nosebleeds tend to be more common in winter as the weather shifts.
The players
Dr. Erich Voigt
Director of general otolaryngology and sleep surgery at NYU Langone.
Dr. Kanwar Kelley
An ENT otolaryngologist in Orinda, California.
What they’re saying
“Though nosebleeds can occur any time of year, they tend to be more common in winter. The combination of dry indoor heat and home heat are two major influencers.”
— Dr. Erich Voigt, Director of general otolaryngology and sleep surgery at NYU Langone
“As your nasal mucosal linings dry out, the blood vessels that live underneath the mucosal linings become more susceptible to bursting and bleeding.”
— Dr. Kanwar Kelley, ENT otolaryngologist
The takeaway
Understanding the causes of winter nosebleeds, especially the role of dry air, aging nasal tissues, and certain medications, can help older adults take proactive steps to prevent and manage this common but disruptive seasonal issue.
