Nose bleeds have probably happened in childhood as a result of injuries caused while playing. As adults, we usually encounter them as a consequence of various diseases, septal curve, or fatigue.
Are you sure you know how to react when a family member or yourself is struggling with this embarrassing ailment? Nose bleeds, although they usually have a mild course, are worth and even should be stopped with home remedies.
The most common causes
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy contribute to the weakening of the blood vessels in the nose, which is why bleeding usually occurs in the second trimester and passes after delivery.
- Drugs, e.g. those containing acetylsalicylic acid or warfarin, have anticoagulant effects.
- Health problems such as hemophilia, avitaminosis C, vitamin K deficiencies, atherosclerosis, diabetes and leukemia.
- Blood pressure spikes can also cause nosebleeds if the systolic blood pressure is above 150 mmHg. Bleeding, which is caused by problems with blood pressure, is often accompanied by headaches and a feeling of heaviness in the head, tinnitus. The body, through nosebleeds, protects us from cerebral hemorrhage, so we should contact a doctor.
- Chronic sinusitis contributes to the increase in the number of bacteria that get out of the sinuses into the nasal septum, where they produce toxins that lead to capillary damage.
- Broken blood vessels in the nose may be related to staying in overheated or air-conditioned rooms.
- A crooked nasal septum occurs in 9 out of 10 people, it results from injuries, but sometimes it is a birth defect. The curvature contributes to the tightening of the mucous membrane, which, together with the inhaled air that dries the nose, can cause cracks.
- Injuries are the most obvious cause, e.g. broken nose or the presence of a foreign body.
If the cause of the nosebleed is not known, the doctor may, after an interview and preliminary examinations, refer us for an examination of the nasal cavity, which will be performed by an otolaryngologist. It will be necessary to check the blood pressure and complete blood count, as well as to assess the functioning of the coagulation system. Sometimes, however, these tests may turn out to be insufficient and then the doctor refers the patient to an X-ray of the skull and paranasal sinuses, and sometimes orders a computed tomography of the head.
How to deal with nosebleeds?
- First of all, we should take a sitting position, slightly lean forward. This will protect us from choking, nausea or vomiting as a result of blood flowing down the throat.
- If the nose is blocked due to blood clots or runny nose, let’s blow it out, then squeeze on both sides of its wings, holding them between the thumb and forefinger.
- In the event of a sudden increase in blood pressure, it should be lowered with the drug as prescribed by the doctor.
- If the hemorrhage does not subside within half an hour, contact an ENT specialist who will apply a gauze pad or cauterize the bleeding vessels.
- If unconsciousness occurs, check that the person with a nosebleed is breathing properly, and then put them in the so-called safe position.