Nosebleeds or epistaxis is the occurrence of bleeding inside the nose. These are caused by damage to the inner blood vessels in the nose area and could have multiple reasons. They could be a common occurrence for some whereas at times it could be serious. Generally, nosebleeds could be categorized into two- Posterior and Anterior Nosebleeds. While the former is fatal, the latter is quite common. Furthermore, Anterior bleeding has its origin point in the front part of the septum. It could be due to a superficial injury inside the nose due to minor accidents. However posterior injuries often deal with nerve injuries and often reveal a hidden injury at the back of the head or throat. These also lead to larger clots. So what causes these injuries?
The Causes of Nosebleeds
The reasons for the formation of larger blood clots could be-
- Dry or Irritated Nasal Passage– This happens when the weather around is parched. Many times, your body will not be accustomed to the high temperature causing cracks inside the nose. As the blood begins to clot, larger clots start to come out of your nose.
- Trauma– Any major or minor trauma to the interior area of the nose can result in nose bleeding. If not for blood clots, your nose could be bleeding profusely and can be painful given the injury is severe.
- Allergies– Allergic Rhinitis arises when there is excess trauma to the nose thanks to rubbing or blowing it excessively. It is usually the common irritation that tickles the nose vessels.
- Infections– When you are infected with sinusitis or even a common cold for a long time, your nose could swell and this would trigger the blood vessels to produce clots that are larger than usual.
- Medications– Some medications also cause the nose blood like excessive use of blood thinners or some nasal spray. However, if that is the case, your doctor would have advised you beforehand.
- Medical Conditions– Vascular abnormalities, hypertension, or in some cases bleeding disorders could give birth to an overflowing of larger blood clots from your nose.
- Blood Clotting Disorders– Some individuals suffer from blood clotting disorders like Von Willebrand or Hemophilia. Their inability to clot blood could result in the formation of clots that come out via the nose.
- Nasal Polyps– Noncancerous growths inside the nose which are painful and cause irritation can lead to nose bleeds as well.
- Foreign Bodies– If your nose has foreign objects inside it, there are chances that it will lead to bleeding.
If you are experiencing nose bleeds, firstly, you should remain calm. Panicking may elevate the situation and therefore you mustn’t get anxious. Secondly, try leaning forward a bit to help ease down the nose flow. Thirdly, you can pinch your nostrils. All you have to do is to tightly press it down along the septum for at least 15 minutes. Additionally, you could also try applying a cold compress that can help the inflammation of the nose. Also, don’t tilt your head to avoid the bleeding from aggravating. Moreover, the pain could be alleviated by nasal sprays or medications. Some are known also to find relief if they spit out the extra blood through the mouth. Lastly, make sure you relax the nose after 10 minutes and then repeat the task.
How To Prevent Nose Bleeds?
Prevention can never not be a good choice so there are some ways by which you can control the bleeding inside your nose.
They include-
- Humidify the Air– As low moisture in the air can trigger bleeding, it is important that you retain the moisture in the air.
- Use Nasal Spray- This can also be an alternative good enough to make your nose muscles wet.
- Avoid Nasal Irritation– Don’t pick your nose or try to avoid poking around the nose.
- Stay Hydrated– Drinking water is extremely important to avoid unnecessary bleeding of the nose vessels.
- Medication Review– In case the medication triggers your bleeding, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. They can prescribe a change that could lessen the impact.
In any case, if the bleeding doesn’t stop, visit a doctor, or an ENT and get help.
