Nosebleed
Nosebleeds (also called epistaxis) can occur easily because of the location of the nose and the close-to-the-surface location of blood vessels in the lining of your nose. Simply put, a nosebleed is the loss of blood from the tissue that lines the inside of your nose.
Nosebleeds (also called epistaxis) are common. Some 60% of people will have at least one nosebleed in their lifetime. The location of the nose in the middle of the face and the large number of blood vessels close to the surface in the lining of your nose make it an easy target for injury and nosebleeds.
Although seeing blood coming out of your noise can be alarming, most nosebleeds are not serious and can be managed at home. Some, however, should be checked by your doctor. For instance, if you have frequent nosebleeds, see your doctor. This could be an early sign of other medical problems that needs to be investigated. A few nosebleeds start in the back of the nose. These nosebleeds usually involve large blood vessels, result in heavy bleeding and can be dangerous. You will need medical attention for this type of bleed, especially if the bleeding occurs after an injury and the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 20 minutes of applying direct pressure to your nose. (Read on to learn the steps for how to stop a nosebleed.)
Causes
Nosebleeds have many causes. Fortunately, most are not serious.
The most common cause of nosebleeds is dry air. Dry air can be caused by hot, low-humidity climates or heated indoor air. Both environments cause the nasal membrane (the delicate tissue inside your nose) to dry out and become crusty or cracked and more likely to bleed when rubbed or picked or when blowing your nose. Other common causes of nosebleeds include:
⦁ Nose picking.
Colds (upper respiratory infections) and ⦁ sinusitis, especially episodes that cause repeated sneezing, coughing and nose blowing.
⦁ Blowing your nose with force.
⦁ Inserting an object into your nose.
⦁ Injury to the nose and/or face.
Allergic and ⦁ non-allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal lining).
⦁ Blood-thinning drugs (aspirin, ⦁ non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin, and others).
⦁ Cocaine and other drugs inhaled through the nose.
⦁ Chemical irritants (chemicals in cleaning supplies, chemical fumes at the workplace, other strong odors).
⦁ High altitudes. The air is thinner (lack of oxygen) and drier as the altitude increases.
Deviated septum (an abnormal shape of the wall that separates the two sides of the nose).
⦁ Frequent use of nasal sprays and medications to treat itchy, runny or stuffy nose. These medications – antihistamines and decongestants – can dry out the nasal membranes.
Prevention
⦁ Use a saline nasal spray or saline nose drops two to three times a day in each nostril to keep your nasal passages moist.
⦁ Add a humidifier to your furnace or run a humidifier in your bedroom at night to add moisture to the air.
⦁ Spread water-soluble nasal gels or ointments in your nostrils with a cotton swab. Be sure not to insert the swab more than ¼ inch into your nose.
⦁ Avoid blowing your nose too forcefully.
⦁ Sneeze through an open mouth. Always sneeze into tissue or into the bend of your arm.
⦁ Avoid putting anything solid into your nose, including fingers.
⦁ Limit your use of medications that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Please remember that any adjustment to medication, especially prescribed medication such as warfarin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), should only be done under your doctor’s supervision.
⦁ See your doctor if your nasal allergy symptoms are not easily controlled with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Quit smoking. Smoking dries out your nose and irritates it.
⦁ Wear protective head gear if involved in activities that could result in an injury to your face and nose.
⦁ Keep your child’s fingernails short.
Treatment
You can speak with a general practitioner by dialing 3112 with an Airtel line or 09031130113 with any other line or download the Doc-on-Call247 app on google and apple play store.
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