Nosebleed (Epistaxis): Symptoms, Causes and Remedies
A nosebleed (Epistaxis) occurs when blood is lost from the tissue inside your nose. Epistaxis is a Nosebleed medical term. It can happen in one or both nostrils, but it usually happens in just one.
- Nasal dryness
- Nose pinching
- Injury
Nosebleeds are common. They can be scary but rarely indicate a serious medical problem. The nose contains many blood vessels, located near the surface in the front and back of the nose. They are very fragile and bleed easily. Nosebleeds are common in adults and children aged 3 to 10 years.
Types of Nose Bleed
There are two types of nosebleeds. A previous nosebleed occurs when the blood vessels in the front of the nose break and bleed.
- Anterior Nosebleed:
- Most common type.
- Occurs in the front part of the nose, usually from the small blood vessels in the septum (the wall between the nostrils).
- Typically easier to manage and stop.
- Causes may include dry air, frequent nose picking, or minor trauma.
- Posterior Nosebleed:
- Less common but more severe.
- Occurs deeper inside the nose, where larger blood vessels are located.
- Blood flows down the back of the throat, which may cause swallowing or coughing of blood.
- Often requires medical intervention, as it can be harder to control and may involve more significant blood loss.
- Common in individuals with high blood pressure, blood disorders, or those on blood-thinning medications.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Causes of Nose Bleed?
There are many causes of nosebleeds. Fortunately, most are not serious. Dry air is the most common cause. It can be caused by hot climates with low humidity or heated indoor air. Both environments cause the nasal membrane to dry out and crust or crack, making it more likely to bleed when rubbed or picked or when blowing your nose.
Other common causes of nosebleeds include:
- Pick your nose.
- Colds and sinusitis, especially episodes that cause repeated sneezing, coughing, and midges.
- Blow your nose with force.
- Insert an object into your nose.
- Nosebleed while sleeping
- Injury to the nose or face.
- Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
- Anticoagulant drugs, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin, and others.
- Cocaine and other drugs are inhaled through the nose.
- Chemical irritants.
- Headache and Nosebleed
- Deviation of the partition.
- Frequent use of nasal sprays and medicines to treat an itchy, runny, or stuffy nose. These antihistamines and decongestant drugs can dry out the nasal membranes.
Other less common causes of frequent nosebleeds include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, or leukaemia
- Arterial hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Facial and nasal surgery
- Nasal tumors
- Nosebleed anime
- Nasal polyps
- Immune thrombocytopenia
- Leukemia
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
- Pregnancy
Symptoms of a Nosebleed
- Visible Blood: Blood flowing from one or both nostrils.
- Feeling of Fluid: Sensation of liquid dripping down the back of the throat.
- Tickling Sensation: A tickling feeling in the back of the nose or throat.
- Difficulty Breathing: Trouble breathing through the nose if the bleeding is heavy.
- Swallowed Blood: Nausea or vomiting due to swallowed blood.
- Dizziness or Weakness: Lightheadedness or feeling faint if the blood loss is significant.
- Mild to Severe Headache: Pressure from the nosebleed or irritation can cause mild headaches or discomfort.
- Bruising: Rarely, a nosebleed can be accompanied by bruising or swelling around the nose or eyes if trauma or injury is involved.
- Pain or Discomfort: A mild to moderate pain or discomfort in the nasal area, particularly at the site of bleeding.
NoseBleed Diagnosis
If you seek medical attention for a nosebleed, your doctor will perform a physical exam to determine the cause. They will check your nose for signs of a foreign object and ask you questions about your medical history and current medications.
Tell your physician about any other symptoms you have and any recent injuries. There is no test to determine the cause of a nosebleed. However, your doctor can use diagnostic tests to find the cause. These tests include:
- Complete blood count(CBC)
- Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- Nasal endoscopy
- CT scan of the nose
- X-ray of the face and nose
NoseBleed Treatment
Here are some Home care treatments for nosebleeds:
- Pinch Your Nostrils: Pinch your nostrils together for 5-10 minutes while leaning slightly forward. This helps to apply pressure and stop the bleeding.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Place a cold compress or ice pack on the back of your neck or forehead to constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding.
- Use a Nasal Decongestant Spray: If the bleeding is due to nasal congestion, a nasal decongestant spray can help shrink the blood vessels.
- Apply a Moisturizer: Use a saline nasal spray or a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils to keep the nasal passages moist.
- Seek Medical Attention: If the bleeding persists for more than 20 minutes, is severe, or happens frequently, consult a healthcare provider for further treatment.
Medical Treatment for Nosebleeds
Medical treatment for nosebleeds depends on the severity and underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:
- Cauterization: If the bleeding is recurrent or from a specific blood vessel, a doctor may use a chemical or electrical cauterization technique to seal the vessel.
- Nasal Packing: A doctor may insert sterile gauze or a special nasal packing into the nostrils to help stop the bleeding.
- Medication: Topical nasal decongestants, such as oxymetazoline, can constrict blood vessels and help stop bleeding.
- Steroid Nasal Sprays: These can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and prevent frequent nosebleeds, especially in cases of chronic sinusitis or allergies.
- Surgical Intervention: In severe or recurrent cases, surgical procedures may be required to correct structural issues, such as a deviated septum, or to address underlying conditions.
- Blood Tests: If there’s suspicion of a bleeding disorder, blood tests may be conducted to check clotting function or for conditions like platelet dysfunction.
When to Visit a Doctor?
Most nosebleeds aren't serious and can stop on their own or by following self-care steps.
Consult an emergency doctor when your nose is bleeding:
- After an injury, like a car accident.
- Involve a larger amount of blood than expected.
- Interfere with breathing.
- Lasts more than 30 minutes even with compression.
- Occurs in children up to 2 years old.
Do not drive to the ER if you're losing a lot of blood. Call an emergency number or have someone drive you.
Talk to your doctor if you have frequent nosebleeds, even if you can stop them fairly easily. It is important to find out what causes frequent nosebleeds.
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Book an AppointmentHome Remedies for a NoseBleed
The following are some home remedies for nosebleeds:
- Pinch the Nostrils: Pinch your nostrils together and lean forward to stop the bleeding.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Place a cold cloth or ice pack on the back of your neck or the nose to constrict blood vessels.
- Use Saline Spray: Apply a saline nasal spray to keep the nasal passages moist and prevent further irritation.
- Humidify the Air: Use a humidifier to keep the air moist, especially in dry environments.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and nasal passages hydrated.
If the nosebleed continues, seek medical advice.
NoseBleed Prevention
To prevent nosebleeds, consider the following tips:
- Keep Nasal Passages Moist: Use a saline nasal spray or apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside your nostrils to prevent dryness.
- Humidify the Air: Use a humidifier, especially in winter, to maintain moisture in the air.
- Avoid Picking Your Nose: Refrain from picking or scratching inside your nose, as this can irritate the nasal passages.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and nasal membranes hydrated.
- Protect Against Allergies: Manage allergies that may cause nasal congestion and irritation, leading to nosebleeds.
- Wear a Mask in Dry Environments: When exposed to dry, dusty, or cold environments, use a mask or scarf to protect your nose.
