What causes nose bleeding?
Last weekend during my flight, I noticed a passenger bleeding from the nose till we landed, and the airport emergency crew rushed to attend to him. What causes this problem? Khalid Z. The nose is a part of the body rich in blood vessels (vascular) and is situated in a vulnerable position as it protrudes […]
Last weekend during my flight, I noticed a passenger bleeding from the nose till we landed, and the airport emergency crew rushed to attend to him. What causes this problem?
Khalid Z.
The nose is a part of the body rich in blood vessels (vascular) and is situated in a vulnerable position as it protrudes on the face. As a result, trauma to the face can cause nasal injury and bleeding. The bleeding may be profuse, or simply a minor complication.
Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out and crack. This is common in dry climates, or during the winter months when the air is dry and warm from household heaters. People are more susceptible to bleeding if they are taking medications which prevent normal blood clotting such as warfarin, aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medication. In this situation, even a minor trauma could result in significant bleeding.The incidence of nosebleeds is higher during the colder months when upper respiratory infections are more frequent, and the temperature and humidity fluctuate more dramatically.
The following factors predispose people to nosebleeds
1. Infection.
2. Trauma, including self-induced by nose picking.
3. Allergic and non – allergic rhinitis.
4. Hypertension (high blood pressure).
5. Use of blood thinning medications.
6. Alcohol abuse.
7. Less common causes include tumors and inherited bleeding problems ( disorders).
Some measures to stop nose bleeding
1. Press firmly toward the face – compressing the pinched parts of the nose against the bones of the face.
2. Lean forward slightly with the head tilted forward. Leaning back or tilting the head back allows the blood to run back into your sinuses and throat and can cause gagging or inhaling the blood.
3. Hold the nose for at least five minutes. Repeat as necessary until the nose has stopped bleeding.
4. Sit quietly, keeping the head higher than the level of the heart. Do not lie flat or put your head between your legs.
5. Apply ice (wrapped in a towel) to nose and cheeks.
Nose bleeding prevention
1. Rest with head elevated at 30 to 45 degrees.
2. Do not blow your nose or put anything into it. If you have to sneeze, open your mouth so that the air will escape out the mouth and not through the nose.
3. Do not strain during bowel movement ( Use a stool softener ).
4. Do not strain or bend down to lift anything heavy.
5. Try to keep your head higher than the level of your heart.
6. Stay on a soft, cool diet. No hot liquids for at least 24 hours.
7. Do not take any medications that will thin the blood such as aspirin, ibuprofen or warfarin. If these have been prescribed by your physician, you need to contact them regarding stopping these medications.
8. If re-bleeding occurs, try to clear the nose of clots by sniffing in forcefully. You can temporarily use a nasal decongestant spray.
9. Repeat the steps above on how to stop the common nose bleed. If bleeding persists, call the doctor and/or visit to the emergency room.
Precautions to prevent nose bleeding
The most common cause of a nose bleed is drying of the nasal membranes. If you are prone to recurrent nosebleeds, it is often helpful to try lubricating the nose with an ointment of some type. This can be applied gently with a Q-tip or your fingertip up inside the nose, especially on the middle portion (the septum). One can use mentholated or Vaseline Jelly.
Call a doctor or report to the emergency room
1. If bleeding cannot be stopped or keeps occurring.
2. If bleeding is rapid, or if blood loss is large.
3. If you feel weak or faint, presumably from blood loss. If the nosebleed persists or is recurrent, see your doctor, who may then recommend stopping the bleeding.