What is a Nosebleed?
A nosebleed refers to the loss of blood from the tissues that line your nose. It may affect both nostrils however, it is most commonly seen in just one nostril. Most of the time, a nosebleed is not a major issue.
The nose is dotted with blood vessels to help in humidifying and warming the air that you breathe. The vessels are near the surface of your nose which makes them very susceptible to injury – which could cause nosebleeds.
Sometimes, however, nosebleeds can be more serious. They are caused by large vessels located in the nasal back. Nosebleeds caused by these vessels usually occur following an injury, especially in younger children or older people. The older the sufferer, the more severe the nosebleed will be.
The Signs of Nosebleeds:
Most often, you’ll not experience any other symptoms apart from your nosebleed.
What is the Cause of Nosebleeds?
The two most frequent causes of nosebleeds are dryness and nose picking. Both of these things are connected the nose pick happens most often when mucus inside your nose becomes dry, crusty. The cold can also cause nosebleeds.
More uncommon causes include allergies, injureis as well as the usage of illicit substances like cocaine. Children can use small objects to irritate their noses and this could cause the nose to bleed.
People who are older may suffer from atherosclerosis and illnesses, high blood pressure, or blood clotting disorders these could be because of nosebleeds. The nosebleeds could happen and last for a longer time when you’re taking medications that affect blood clotting, like aspirin.
The most common cause of frequent nosebleeds is a condition known as hereditary hemorrhagic and telangiectasia (HHT). Sometimes, the reason for nosebleeds isn’t clear.
The frequent nosebleeds could mean that you’re suffering from a more serious issue. For instance, nosebleeds, as well as bruises, can be the first sign of leukemia. Nosebleeds may also indicate an underlying blood clotting disorder or the disorder of blood vessels as well as a nasal tumor.
Types of Nose Bleeds:
There are two kinds of nosebleeds: ones that originate from on the top of the nose also known as anterior nosebleeds as well as those that begin in the back and are referred to as posterior nosebleeds.
The nosebleeds that occur in the anterior region are quite frequent, and usually not hazardous. These kinds of nosebleeds are usually taken care of at home. The most typical source for anterior nasal bleeding is called the septum or the portion of your nose that divides the nostrils.
It is home to numerous blood vessels that could break by a scratch or hit on the face.
Nasal bleedings that occur posteriorly, on contrary are less frequent. They start deeper inside the nose after the nasal cavity has been damaged and begins to bleed. Nasal bleeding that occurs after a posterior one can be deadly in the event that there is a leak of blood into the throat.
A nose injury or high blood pressure is among the most frequent causes of nasal bleedings that occur in the posterior region.
Treatment for Nosebleeds:
A nosebleed is scary to discover or even see. But try to stay cool in such a situation without getting much panic. The majority of nosebleeds appear worse than they actually are. Nearly all nosebleeds can easily be dealt with at home.
If you experience an infection in your nose, lie down and lean a bit toward the side. Maintaining your head high above your heart will stop the bleeding. Lean forward, so that the blood drains from your nose and does not go to the back of your throught.
If you tilt back you could take the blood in your mouth. This could cause irritation to your stomach.
Utilize your index and thumb to squeeze the soft part of your nose. The area lies between the apex to your nose as well as the hard bony ridge which forms your bridge. Continue to hold your nose until the bleeding ceases. Don’t let it go for more than 5 mins. If the area is still bleeding keep it in place for 5-10 minutes.
When the bleeding stops after a couple of hours, rest before you do anything that could cause it to recur like behind over and blowing out your nose.
See your doctor if:
- The bleeding continues for more than 20 mins
- The bleeding may have resulted from an injury
- The volume of blood makes it difficult to breathe
- A baby under 2 years old has an open nose.
- There are nosebleeds every week
- You’re taking a blood thinner medication
