My nose sometimes bleeds while I play sports or after practice. Why?

Nosebleeds are fairly common because the nose is located in a vulnerable area (the center of the face!) and filled with blood vessels that can easily bleed. In some cases, nosebleeds can be severe and involve lots of blood; in other situations, bleeding is minor. The sensitive nose can bleed easily when hit or when fractured—even a brush against the nose can cause it to bleed. Often this happens in contact sports, and if practice takes place outdoors, where it is cold and dry, there may be a higher chance of getting a nosebleed. A dry climate or heated indoor air irritates and dries out nasal membranes, causing crusts that may itch and then bleed when picked. The common cold may also irritate the lining of the nose, and bleeding may happen after repeated tissue blowing. When you combine a cold with dry winter air, you have the perfect formula for a nosebleed!