The nosebleeds known as "nosebleeds" are among the most common reasons for consulting an otolaryngologist.
It is estimated that 60% of Spaniards - for example - may suffer from epileptic attacks during their lifetime.
In a report published in the Spanish magazine "cuidateplus", the writer Anna Calliejo Moura quoted a member of the Committee of Rhinology, Allergy and Anterior Skull Base of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Alfonso Santamaría, as saying that "this bleeding results from the rupture of some "The blood vessels in the nose, especially the superficial ones, which are exposed to external factors, and the bleeding is usually simple. Other factors such as influenza or colds, or scratching the lining of the nose with fingers or tissues, can cause nosebleeds."
Who are people most likely to have nosebleeds, and why?
Dr. Santamaria explained that there are many factors that increase a person's risk of developing a nosebleed, including:
1- Cases of chronic nasal irritation such as rhinitis.
2- People who have a problem with blood clotting or are taking anti-coagulant or anti-coagulant medications, are more likely to have nosebleeds.
3- High blood pressure.
4- Hormonal changes.
5- Extremely high or low temperatures.
6- Anatomical changes in the nose, such as deviations at the level of the nasal septum.
7- Hormonal changes that occur on the body during pregnancy, just like puberty, increase the likelihood of nosebleeds, and nosebleeds are usually simple, and can be treated at home without this posing a threat to the health of the mother or the fetus.
The episodes of nosebleeds usually decrease at the end of pregnancy.
Nosebleeds in children and adolescents
For children, there are two very common causes of nosebleeds, and they are:
1- Scratch the lining of the nose with fingers.
2- The introduction of foreign objects such as toys or food into the nose.
Dr. Santamaría warns that if the bleeding recurs and is accompanied by pain or purulent yellowish mucus, it is necessary to go to an otolaryngologist.
To make sure that there is no foreign body in the nose.
In adolescence, as is the case during pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause nosebleeds, which may disappear once this stage is over.
In this case, it is recommended to drink water in sufficient quantities, moisten the air, and use topical ointments.
Is nosebleeds more common when the weather is hot?
The expert confirms that extreme temperatures, whether cold or heat, or sudden changes in temperature, lead to irritation of the nose and dryness of the mucous membrane;
Causing nosebleeds.
Proper moisturizing and maintaining a clean nose can reduce the risk of nosebleeds.
Does the nose bleed while sleeping?
There are many factors that can cause nosebleeds during sleep, such as high blood pressure.
Also, dry air, especially in winter, with the use of heating devices, increases the risk of nosebleeds.
People who suffer from nocturnal apnea, such as sleep apnea syndrome, are more likely to have nosebleeds at night.
How to stop nosebleeds?
Most nosebleeds go away on their own.
If the bleeding does not stop, it is important to follow these steps:
● Head tilted slightly forward;
As this helps the blood flow from the nose, it does not go down the throat.
● Pressing the tip of your nose (the soft area) continuously with your fingers for 5 to 10 minutes.
● If the bleeding continues, you can put dry gauze in the nose or soak it in a saline solution for a few minutes with pressure with your fingers.
In the event that the bleeding continues despite these measures or is strong, you must go to the nearest emergency center.
It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of nosebleeds only require medical intervention.
And after bleeding, it is important to avoid physical exertion and touch your nose;
To ensure that no new episodes occur.
Misconceptions about what to do to stop a nosebleed
The following are common situations that should be avoided during a nosebleed:
Fallacy 1: Turn the head back
This causes blood to drip into the throat.
This may cause nausea or vomiting when swallowing blood.
Instead, you should tilt your head forward and let the blood flow from your nose.
Fallacy 2: Pressure on the upper area of the nose (the sclera)
Most cases of nosebleeds occur directly at the nostril.
So pressure must be placed on that soft area of the nose.
Fallacy 3: Putting tissues in the nostrils
If you insert something into the nose during bleeding (such as paper, cotton, or gauze), it is important to ensure that it will not break apart and leave residue inside the nose that cannot be removed at home without medical intervention later.
Can nosebleeds be prevented for people who have frequent nosebleeds?
Dr. Santamaria emphasized that moistening the nasal mucosa with ointments containing vitamin A or petroleum jelly would prevent nasal irritation and reduce the risk of nosebleeds.
Also, cleaning the nose properly helps get rid of nasal irritants and allergens.
When should a specialist be consulted?
In cases where the bleeding is frequent, it is advised to visit an otolaryngologist, to determine whether the bleeding is due to other causes, such as a tumor in the nose.
Is treating nosebleeds necessary in some cases?
If the bleeding is very strong, and does not stop whatever the person does, then go to the emergency room.
In this case, the patient is usually offered a substance that promotes blood clotting.
In very rare cases, where the patient loses a lot of blood, a blood transfusion may be necessary.