ELI5: Nosebleeds and nose cauterization - how do they work?

Submitted by MysteriousShadow__ t3_1255ziz in explainlikeimfive

I've found someone asking this from 8 years ago, but there isn't too much elaboration in the answers:

Title: ELI5: I have a lot of nose bleeds. Why is no scar tissue formed?

I guess my question is very similar to that one. Cauterization works by damaging the vessel and letting the scab that the body forms to seal it up. But why does the body not form that scab naturally after a nose bleed? The answer on that above post says "increased permeability of the blood vessels" is actually what's causing nose bleeds, but online sources simply say it's because damage or injuries to blood vessels.

I'd love some more explanation on this!

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_m14lky t1_je2mm9h wrote

When a person experiences a nosebleed, the blood vessels inside the nose break and bleed, causing blood to flow out of the nostrils. However, unlike other types of wounds on the skin, a nose bleed does not typically form a scab because the tissues inside the nose secrete mucus, which helps to keep the wound moist and prevent the formation of a scab.

Additionally, the constant flow of air through the nasal passages can also prevent the formation of a scab. If a scab were to form, it would eventually dry out and may cause irritation or bleeding when inhaled air passes over it, making it difficult for the wound to heal properly. Therefore, it is natural for the body not to attempt to form a scab in the case of a nose bleed.

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MysteriousShadow__ OP t1_je2naev wrote

But a nose cauterization forces the scab to happen, so if the body has good reasons not to, then wouldn't that be bad?

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_m14lky t1_je2oh72 wrote

Some peoples mucus isn’t as strong as others, so sometimes it won’t really help healing if too damage a vessel in your nose which is why it continues to bleed and a cauterization is needed.

Usually it varies to person to person but the body will force a scab to happen in the nose if I’m not wrong. I’m no a doctor so don’t take my word on that.

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slinky999 t1_je39bok wrote

I don’t have all the answers, but getting my nostril cauterized put a stop to frequent, gushing nosebleeds that would literally just pour out. I was miserable for 18y until I had the cauterization done. The procedure wasn’t fun, healing was annoying, but worth it.

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Partly_Dave t1_je43d1b wrote

I used to have an occasional nosebleed, maybe once a month or less. Usually when I was in bed.

I mentioned it, because I had one that morning, to the doctor at the ENT clinic I had gone to for a sinus issue.

He said he could take care of that and cauterized my nose.

I started having nosebleeds once or twice a day. When it was still happening two weeks later, I called the clinic who suggested I go to the ED. Not back to them (they are part of the hospital).

I went to my doctor instead, who had a look. They eventually stopped, but I still get the odd one.

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