What Causes Nose Bleeding? What’s Good for You?
Nosebleeds are a common health problem that almost everyone encounters at least once in their life. While this may sometimes be due to simple reasons, in some cases it may be a sign of a serious underlying health problem. Knowledge of the causes of nosebleeds, their types, and how to stop them is vital to dealing with this uncomfortable condition. There are also effective measures you can take to prevent nosebleeds and prevent them from recurring.
What Causes Nose Bleeding?
“Epistaxis” is the medical term for nosebleeds. A nosebleed means loss of blood from the tissue lining the inside of your nose. It may occur in one or both nostrils. Usually, it affects only one nostril. “What causes nosebleeds?” you may be thinking. This is because there are many small blood vessels in your nose. These vessels help warm and humidify the air you breathe. However, they stay close to the inner surface of your nose. When air passes through your nose, it can dry and irritate your blood vessels. This makes it easier for the nose to be injured. Most nosebleeds, although uncomfortable, are not serious.
What are the Types of Nose Bleeding?
Approximately 60% of people experience a nosebleed at least once in their lives. Only about 10% of cases are severe enough to require medical treatment. During bleeding, blood flows from one or both nostrils. It can be heavy or light. It can last from a few seconds to 15 minutes or more. Types of nosebleeds can be listed as follows:
- Anterior nosebleed: It is bleeding from the front of the nose, from the lower part on either side of the nasal septum. The capillaries and blood vessels in the area are small, fragile, and can break easily. Anterior nosebleeds are one of the most common types of epistaxis/nosebleeds. This type of epistaxis is most common in children. Home first aid can stop bleeding.
- Posterior nosebleed: It is bleeding from deep inside the nose as a result of the rupture or rupture of a large blood vessel. Posterior nosebleeds are more severe than anterior nosebleeds due to the volume of bleeding that can flow down the throat and cause dangerous suffocation. Therefore, if there is a severe nosebleed, the patient should see a doctor as soon as possible to stop the bleeding. This type of nosebleed is more common in adults.
How to Stop Nose Bleeding?
Nosebleeds can happen to anyone, regardless of gender or age. Epistaxis often occurs for no apparent reason. However, it should be examined systematically. Although most nosebleeds are not dangerous and can be managed with first aid at home, those who experience severe nosebleeds should not ignore the condition. Sustained severe bleeding can be life-threatening, especially in young children, the elderly, patients with anemia or dehydration, or those taking anticoagulants. The following items “How to cure nose bleeding?” may answer your question:
- Sit at a table, lean forward and pinch the soft part of your nose, just above your nostrils, firmly for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Lean forward and breathe through your mouth. Spit the blood that collects in your throat or mouth into a bowl. Do not swallow blood.
- Cover an ice pack or frozen vegetables with a towel and place it on your forehead or behind your neck.
- Stand or sit upright rather than lying down to lower blood pressure in the blood vessels in your nose and help reduce further bleeding.
Applying a cold compress or ice to the bridge of the nose may help. Do not fill the inside of the nose with gauze. It is not recommended to lie down when there is a nosebleed. You should avoid blowing or blowing your nose for several hours after a nosebleed. If the bleeding eventually stops, you usually do not need to seek medical attention. However, you should definitely seek help from your doctor immediately in the following cases:
- If bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes
- If the bleeding is very heavy and you have lost a lot of blood
- If you have difficulty breathing
- If you feel weak or dizzy
- You swallow large amounts of blood and it causes you to vomit
- If you have a nosebleed after a serious injury, such as a car accident
A comprehensive evaluation of epistaxis by an otolaryngologist can immediately identify diseases causing epistaxis. The doctor will prioritize stopping nosebleeds to prevent hypotension from blood loss. In some cases, epistaxis may be a symptom of a more serious problem or complex disease.
What is Good for Nose Bleeding?
You can use saline nasal spray or saline nose drops in each nostril two to three times a day to keep your nostrils moist. To make the saline solution at home, mix 1 teaspoon of salt into 1 liter of tap water. Boil the water for 20 minutes and let it cool until lukewarm. You can also add a humidifier to your radiator or run a humidifier in your bedroom at night to add moisture to the air.
If you have a nosebleed and the doctor can see where the blood is coming from, he or she may use a stick with a chemical on it to stop the bleeding. This is pushed into the nostril to seal the area. If this isn’t possible, they may fill your nose with strips of gauze or a sponge to stop bleeding. You may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two. Once your nosebleed stops, your doctor may prescribe an antiseptic cream to use inside your nose. This stops crusting or scab formation. Check the ingredients of the cream first as it may not be suitable if you have a peanut or soy allergy.
How to Prevent Nose Bleeding?
What you can do to prevent nosebleeds depends on why epistaxis occurs. However, the following steps can help you avoid nosebleeds:
- Avoid blowing your nose too hard.
- Always sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
- Avoid inserting any solid objects, including your fingers, into your nose.
- Control your nasal allergy symptoms and manage the process in collaboration with your doctor.
- If you are doing activities that could harm your face and nose, wear a protective headgear.
- Keep your child’s nails short.
In Which Cases Should You See a Doctor for Nose Bleeding?
Nosebleeds that occur higher up your septum or deeper in your nose may be more difficult to control. You need to seek emergency care, especially if:
- If bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes
- If nosebleeds occur after a head injury, this may indicate a skull fracture and x-rays or other imaging should be obtained.
- If your nose may be broken
- If you have had nosebleeds in the past that required specialist care
You should definitely consult your doctor in the following cases:
- If you or your child has frequent nosebleeds
- If your nose may be broken
- Nosebleeds are not related to a cold or other minor irritation
- If nosebleeds occur after sinus or other surgery
Nosebleeds are a common but uncomfortable medical condition. Quickly learning the steps on how to stop nose bleeding will make it easier for you to deal with this problem. Although most cases of epistaxis are not serious, be sure to see your doctor if you experience frequent bleeding or have a bleeding disorder.
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