Nosebleeds (Epistaxis): Causes and Treatment

 Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)

Nosebleeds (Epistaxis): Causes and Treatment

what is Epistaxis ?

Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, occur when the blood vessels in the front or back of the nose bleed. This condition affects individuals of all ages, including adults and children aged 3-10 years. In most cases, nosebleeds are not considered dangerous and can be managed at home. However, recurrent nosebleeds may indicate more serious underlying medical issues. Various factors can contribute to nosebleeds, such as prolonged sun exposure or high blood pressure.

In this article, we will explore the main causes of nosebleeds, their symptoms, and treatment methods.

There are two types of nosebleeds:

1. Anterior nosebleeds: These occur when the blood vessels in the front of the nose tear, often due to trauma or fractures.

2. Posterior nosebleeds: These occur in the deep back part of the nose, leading to blood flow into the throat. This type of nosebleed can be serious at times.

3. Chronic nosebleeds

Epistaxis Causes

The reasons for the occurrence of nosebleeds include the following:

Common of Nose bleed reason

Some individuals suffer from bleeding from one nostril, while others experience it from both sides. The most common causes of nosebleeds from one or both nostrils include:

• Exposure to dry or cold air, which is one of the most important causes of nosebleeds in winter.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Medications such as antihistamines and decongestants.
• Sinusitis and exposure to colds and allergies.
• Exposure to irritating chemicals.
• Foreign bodies entering the nose.
• Being involved in serious injuries or receiving a blow to the face, which are important causes of sudden nosebleeds.
• Frequent sneezing, leading to the occurrence of nosebleeds with mucus.
• Ingestion of a large dose of aspirin.
• Bloody nose disorders and blood clotting, which may lead to nosebleeds in pregnant women.
• Cancer.
• Vascular diseases such as sudden high blood pressure, which is sometimes accompanied by problems in the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen.
• Low platelet count, vascular inflammations, and blood vessel dilation.

Uncommon Causes of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds can be caused by uncommon factors, such as the following:

• Menstruation.
• Vitamin deficiency, especially vitamin C.
• Low atmospheric pressure.
• High body temperature.
• Engaging in strenuous physical activity.
• Arrhythmia.
• Facial and nasal surgery.
• Blood cancer.
• Pregnancy

causes of nose bleeding in adults

Epistaxis Symptoms

Nosebleeds can occur suddenly and without prior warning, without any accompanying symptoms. However, in some cases, the affected individual may experience the following:

Headache.

Ringing in the ears.

Feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness.

Diagnosis  Epistaxis (Nosebleed)

Diagnosis of epistaxis is performed through clinical examination to ensure the absence of a foreign body in the nose, and to identify any accompanying symptoms and the individual's medical history. The physician may also conduct diagnostic tests, including the following:

Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check for blood cell disorders, and partial thromboplastin time to assess blood clotting.

Anterior rhinoscopy and pharyngoscopy.

Radiological examinations, including X-rays of the face and nose, and computed tomography (CT) scans of the nose.

Blood pressure and pulse measurement.

 Epistaxis treatment

The treatment of epistaxis depends on the severity and duration of the bleeding. If the bleeding lasts for 10-15 minutes, home-based interventions may be sufficient. However, if the bloody nose persists for more than 20 minutes, urgent medical attention is necessary. nose bleed treatment methods include:

Home-based Treatment

The following methods are used for home-based treatment:

Applying slight pressure to the nose with the fingers and covering it with a sterile gauze for 10 minutes while leaning forward slightly.

Applying cold water compresses to the nose until random nose bleed stops.

Using a towel or cloth to clean the blood.

Avoiding lying down to prevent blood swallowing and stomach irritation.

Using a nasal decongestant spray to constrict small blood vessels.

Avoiding bending, straining, or lifting heavy objects for several days after the bleeding stops.

Medical Treatment

The medical treatment for nosebleeds varies depending on the type of bleeding. It is treated using the following methods:

nose bleed causes by the entry of foreign bodies into the nose: In this case, the doctor removes the foreign bodies and takes necessary measures.

Nasal packing with cotton or gauze to apply pressure on the blood vessels and stop the bleeding.

Cauterization: This medical technique stops continuous and recurrent bloody nose treatment by cauterizing the blood vessels in the nose using a heating device or silver nitrate compound.

Surgery: The doctor may resort to surgical intervention to ligate the arteries adjacent to the bleeding area in cases of recurrent bleeding.

alternative medicine Treatment:

Onion:

A piece of onion is inserted into the bleeding nostril and left for a few moments to stop the bleeding.

Benzoin Lemon:

A piece of gauze moistened with benzoin lemon juice is placed inside the nose.

Remedies for Bleeding:

Cumin with Vinegar:

Grind cumin, take a small spoonful with a cup of water, add half a small spoonful of vinegar, and inhale the mixture.

Eggshell:

Clean the eggshell thoroughly, roast it over a fire, grind it, and inhale the powder in the morning and evening.

Balls:

Squeeze the balls after grinding them on a piece of cloth, and let three drops of the liquid drip into the bleeding nostril.

Helpful Tips:

If the bleeding is bright red, you should stop the bleeding immediately. However, if the bleeding is dark red, you do not need to stop it because it is old blood that has exited the circulatory system. Avoid strenuous activities and walking in hot weather for at least two days, and try to avoid nose blowing as much as possible. Lie on your back and rest completely.

 Prevention of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds can be prevented by:

• Maintaining home humidity to avoid dryness.
• Reducing the intake of aspirin and refraining from taking it without a prescription.
• Avoiding excessive use of antihistamines and decongestants.
• Moisturizing the nose using nasal sprays or saline solution to prevent dryness.
• Avoiding picking the nose or inserting foreign bodies.

Recommended Products

For effective management and prevention of nosebleeds, consider these Amazon products:

1. Humidifier: Helps maintain home humidity to avoid dryness. Buy Humidifier on Amazon

2. Sterile Gauze: Essential for applying pressure to the nose during a nosebleed. Buy Sterile Gauze on Amazon

3. Nasal Decongestant Spray: Constricts small blood vessels to stop bleeding. Buy Nasal Decongestant Spray on Amazon

4. Saline Nasal Spray: Moisturizes the nose to prevent dryness. Buy Saline Nasal Spray on Amazon

5. Cold Compress: Useful for applying cold to the nose to stop bleeding. Buy Cold Compress on Amazon

By utilizing these products and following the outlined treatment and prevention methods, individuals can effectively manage and reduce the occurrence of nosebleeds.

Conclusion:

Dark red blood in a nosebleed indicates that the bleeding is coming from deep inside the nose, while bright red blood means that the bleeding is closer to the nostril opening. The causes of nosebleeds are diverse and include nasal injury, even if it is minor, such as inserting a finger into the nose or the entry of a foreign body, dry mucous membranes, or the presence of nasal polyps. There are medications that can cause nosebleeds, such as the uncontrolled use of aspirin and exposure to irritating chemicals. Among the most common causes of nosebleeds in the elderly are high blood pressure, liver diseases, kidney failure, and brain hemorrhage.

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