Nosebleed, causes, treatment and prevention.
NOSEBLEEDS
Nosebleed is the loss of blood and it happens because there are many blood vessels in the lining of the nose. Most of the times the nose blood loss can be stopped at home.
ARE NOSEBLEEDS SERIOUS?
Most of the time nosebleed is not serious especially during hot weather, but if there is a massive amount of blood loss or it stays the same for more than 20 min then you should go to the hospital as soon as possible because it may be a sign of some big disease.
Anterior nosebleed which starts from the front of the nose is usually not serious and mostly occurs in children, while Posterior nosebleeds occur from large blood vessels and are more serious than anterior.
CAUSES OF NOSE BLEEDS
• Most people suffer from nosebleeds at least one time in life. There are different causes of nosebleeds
• Children: - Mostly between 2nd to 10yr of life, Sticking fingers, cold, dust, and allergies can cause mostly nosebleeds in children.
• Adults: -Between 45-65. In old age, blood takes a longer time to clot so it bleeds easily. It’s also because many people eat tablets for High blood pressure which thins the blood.
• Pregnant women: -During pregnancy blood vessels expand and blood exerts more pressure on the delicate vessels.
• Drugs: - Aspirin or warfarin are the blood-thinning drugs
• Disorders:- People who have hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
• Blowing your nose with force
• Injury to the nose or face
• Inserting an object inside the nose
• High altitudes: Lack of oxygen, dry nose
• Deviated septum
LESS COMMON CAUSES ARE:
Alcohol use, High Blood Pressure, and Atherosclerosis. Facial and nasal surgery. Leukemia, Polyp.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT..
• To stop a nosebleed first don’t panic
• Sit upright and lean your body forward so that blood shouldn’t pass through the thorax which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Breath from the mouth
• Use your index finger and thumb to pinch the soft part of your nose against the hard bony part.
• Keep pinching it for at least for 5 minutes, if bleeding does not stop then try it for 10 minutes.
• You can also apply ice cube so that blood vessels become constricted which will slow the bleeding.
• You can also use a decongested spray like oxymetazoline but don’t overuse it as it can make the blood flow worse.
• After the bleeding stop then don’t blow or rub the nose.
EMERGENCY OR NEED OF A DOCTOR
If bleeding is not stopped, you are having difficulty breathing or a large amount of blood loss or if it occurs after injury then go to the emergency room or see a doctor without further delay.
You must answer the following question to your doctor
1. When does bleeding occur?
2. Why does it happen?
3. How much time of your nosebleed?
4. How often do you get it?
5. Does It involve one or both sides of the nose?
6. History of medication?
You should answer each question correctly so that a doctor treats you in the best way.
The doctor will do the following treatment
• Nasal packing is done with gauze, sponge, or foam. It is left for 1 or 2 days
• Cauterization helps to seal the bleeding which is done by chemical substances or heat.
• Tranexamic is a medicine that is used to stop bleeding.
• Surgical repair can be done for broken bones.
• Ligation of the vessel is done to stop bleeding.
PREVENTION OF NOSE BLEEDS
1. Use saline spray 2-3 times daily to moist nostrils.
2. Use a humidifier to moisture air of the room
3. Avoid the habit of Blowing your nose
4. Avoid putting fingers on the nose
5. Limit the use of drugs that lead to bleeding
6. Quit smoking because it dries the nose
I hope it helps.
