Bleeding from the nose, also known as epistaxis, is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It occurs when the delicate blood vessels in the nose are damaged or rupture. While most cases of nosebleeds are not serious and can be treated at home, some cases may require medical attention.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of a nosebleed include:
- Blood dripping from one or both nostrils
- A feeling of liquid flowing down the back of your throat
- A red, warm, or wet feeling inside your nose or throat
- A sense of fullness in your nose
- The need to blow your nose
Causes:
The most common causes of nosebleeds are:
- Dry air: Dry air can cause the lining of the nasal passages to dry out and become irritated, leading to nosebleeds.
- Trauma: Trauma to the nose, such as a blow to the face, can cause the blood vessels in the nose to rupture and bleed.
- Allergies: Allergies can cause the nasal passages to become swollen and inflamed, increasing the risk of nosebleeds.
- Infection: Infections, such as the common cold, can cause the nasal passages to become inflamed and increase the risk of nosebleeds.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase the risk of nosebleeds.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the nose to rupture and bleed.
Treatment:
Most nosebleeds can be treated at home with the following steps:
- Pinch the nostrils together: Pinch the soft part of your nose together and breathe through your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Lean forward: Lean forward slightly to prevent blood from flowing down the back of your throat.
- Apply a cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the bridge of your nose to help reduce swelling and slow the bleeding.
- Stay upright: Stay upright for a few hours after the bleeding has stopped to help prevent the bleeding from starting again.
In some cases, medical attention may be necessary. Seek medical attention if:
- The bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes
- You have difficulty breathing
- You feel lightheaded or dizzy
- You have chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack
Prevention:
The following steps can help prevent nosebleeds:
- Keep the inside of your nose moist: Use a saline nasal spray or apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside your nostrils to keep the nasal passages moist.
- Use a humidifier: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
- Avoid picking your nose: Picking your nose can irritate the lining of the nasal passages and increase the risk of nosebleeds.
- Use caution when blowing your nose: Blow your nose gently and do not blow too hard.
In summary, nosebleeds are a common condition that can usually be treated at home. However, seek medical attention if the bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes or if you experience difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, or chest pain. To prevent nosebleeds, keep the inside of your nose moist, use a humidifier, avoid picking your nose, and use caution when blowing your nose.