Overview
A nosebleed is a prevalent condition that is faced by most of the person. Typically, it is not a matter of concern, but it may be a matter of concern in some rare cases. It is because the nose has abundant blood vessels in it. That is why even a small injury to the face can cause a nosebleed. It is of two types they are Anterior nosebleed and posterior nosebleed.
- Anterior nosebleed: It occurs when the blood vessels present in the front of the nose are injured and cause bleeding.
- Posterior nosebleed: This occurs in the deepest part of the nose. In this condition, blood flow may be toward the interior neck. A posterior nosebleed can be dangerous as it includes internal bleeding.
What Is A Nosebleed?
Nosebleed is also known as epistaxis. It can be defined as blood loss from the tissue that lines the inner nose. It can affect both nostrils, but only one nostril is often involved in most cases. There is a very high density of the blood vessels in the nose. It can help keep the nostrils warm, and it also humidifies the air we breathe through the nostrils. It is the condition that is faced by most of the person in their life.
What Are The Causes Of Nosebleed?
- Dry air (it causes the inner surface of the nose to dry)
- If any foreign object is stuck in the path of the nose
- If you are on aspirin
- Presence of an allergic reaction.
- Repeated sneezing can also lead to a nosebleed.
- High blood pressure. However, nosebleeds due to increased blood pressure are very rare.
- Certain types of Cancer, like blood cancer, can also cause the nose to bleed.
- If there is an infection in the upper respiratory tract
What Are The Symptoms Of Nosebleeds?
Generally, the symptoms of nosebleeds are noticeable easily. Nosebleed itself is the symptom of this.
How Doctor Diagnose Nosebleed?
If you consult a doctor to diagnose the nosebleed, then at first, the doctor will physically examine the nose for any foreign particle that could be stuck in the nostril. Then they might order some tests after asking some questions about the medical history of the patient. Diagnostic tests like
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): It is a blood that is used to check for the presence of any blood disorder.
- Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT): It is a blood test in which the clotting time (time required by the blood to clot) is determined.
- Nasal endoscopy:This procedure looks at nasal and sinus passages.
- X-ray: X-ray may be performed to determine the presence of any fracture in the nasal bone.
What Are The Treatment For Nosebleed?
Some of the common treatments for nosebleeds are:
- Cautery: In this procedure, the doctor may burn or cauterize (using a chemical or heat to burn a portion to stop the blood loss) a portion of the nasal passage to stop bleeding.
- Nasal packaging: In this procedure, the doctor may insert a ribbon gauze into the nasal cavity to put pressure on the bleeding source. It will stop the bleeding.
- Septal surgery: This procedure is done when the bleeding is caused due to the septum (separation) of the nose. The doctor may make the septum straight after performing surgery.
How To Prevent Nosebleed?
Several things can be done to prevent the bleeding of the nose. Some of them are:-
- Use a saline nasal spray or drop. It must be used at least two to three times per day in each nostril. It will help in keeping the nostrils humidified.
- If you use the room heater on winter days, add some humidifiers into the air.
- Avoid sneezing too forcefully.
- Always sneeze through an open mouth.
- Avoid the use of medicines like a blood thinner, aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can increase the chances of nose bleeding.
- Avoid picking your nose.
When To Consult A Doctor?
You should immediately call the doctor if you are having any of the following symptoms:-
- The bleeding continues for over 20 minutes
- It is hard to breathe due to bleeding.
- If the child is below the age of 2 years and has nosebleeds
- You are taking medicine that is used for blood thinning.
- The bleeding from the nose is due to any injury to the nose.
