Nose conditions are pretty common all year round. But during the summer months, one of the most particular nasal conditions experienced by many is nosebleeds. They can be a bit frightening and alarming during their occurrence, but nothing serious to honestly be concerned about having. Nosebleeds aren’t signs of anything severe and can be treated at home right away. This nose condition is typical for children, especially between two (2) to ten (10) and elderly folks. Come summertime, incidents of nose bleeds can become more apparent compared to other parts of the year, mainly because of the heat we all experience. Today, let’s all learn more about nose bleeding and how to prevent and treat this condition, especially during the summer season.
What is Nose Bleeding?
Nosebleeds, also known as ‘epistaxis’ in medical jargon, are a nose condition that commonly occurs when the linings of tiny blood vessels accidentally burst inside of your nose. This nose condition can result from many factors: dry air and nose picking, which are some of the most common causes. Other causes can also include experienced trauma, infections in the sinus, common allergies, septum that is deviated, instances of hypertension, chemical irritants, bleeding disorders, decongestant nasal sprays and their overuse, extreme temperatures, and high altitudes. These are some of the most common reasons why nose bleeding is a typical nose condition, especially during the seasonal months of summer and winter.
What Causes Nose Bleeding?
Although a common nose condition, the majority of occurrences of nosebleeds are not that serious. However, in some sporadic cases, they may indicate some underlying disease. The insides of our noses are packed with tiny and delicate blood vessels that can easily be raptured and become damaged, bleeding quite relatively fast. Nosebleeds are commonly caused by the following:
- Nose picking
- Tough nose blowing
- Minor nose injuries
- Humidity or temperature changes that cause dryness and cracking on the insides of the nose
On some occasions, nose bleeding can result from the deeper blood vessels within the nose. This nose condition can stem from having a blow to the head, recent nasal surgery, atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries.
Doctors suggest getting immediate medical attention for individuals who have the following indications:
- Injuries experienced following a recent accident
- Heavier bleeding than expected
- Breathing interfered by bleeding
- Nosebleeds lasting more than 30 minutes
- Nosebleed occurrence in a child below two (2) years of age
- Frequent experiences of nosebleeds
Who Normally Get Nose Bleeds?
Since nosebleeds are a reasonably common nose condition, most people will surely experience them every once in a while, at least once in their lifetimes. Everyone who is anyone can have nosebleeds, but this nose condition often primarily affects:
- children between the ages of two (2) and ten (10)
- people of old age
- women expecting or are already pregnant
- those who have blood-thinning maintenance like aspirin, or anticoagulants like warfarin
- those who have blood clotting disorders like hemophilia
Nose conditions like nose bleeding may also become heavier or last longer if you take in anticoagulants, live with a blood clotting disorder, or experience high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
Having Nosebleeds
What to do:
Nosebleeds are nose conditions that are easily treated even when you’re at home. In stopping your nose from bleeding, here are some easy steps to follow for a quick fix:
- Properly sit down, then firmly pinch the soft part of your nose located above your nostrils. Do this step for ten (10) to fifteen (15) minutes.
- Next, lean forward and, using your mouth, slowly breathe in and out. Inhaling and exhaling will drain the blood down to your nose instead of down the back of your throat.
- Then, get an ice pack or bag of frozen goods or vegetables covered by a towel and place it on the bridge of your nose.
- Stay in an upright position rather than lying down. This positioning aids in the blood pressure reduction in your nose’s blood vessels and will hinder any further bleeding from occurring.
Once the nose bleeding stops eventually, usually there’s no more need in seeking medical advice. But in some cases, rare and severe ones may require you to have further additional treatment from your doctors or in a hospital.
How to prevent it:
Preventing nosebleeds can also be relatively easy, like treating this nose condition right away. Preventive measures are straightforward and can be done if you experience nosebleeds again after treatment. Here are some helpful tips and tricks you can easily do and follow in preventing nosebleeds:
- Avoid picking your nose hastily. If need be, pick your nose gently as much as you can.
- Keep your fingernails short. For children, make sure fingernails are trimmed regularly. Educate them to avoid inserting objects inside their nostrils.
- Avoid forceful blowing of your nose. Blow your nose as gently as possible and only very slowly.
- Keep your nose lining moist. Try putting petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointments several times a day. You may also use a saline nasal spray.
- Keep your homes humidified. In some particularly arid climates, humidifiers help moisten the air around the house, reducing the likelihood of your nasal passages drying out.
- Wear a safety head guard whenever you engage in activities that could injure your nose or head.
- When using nasal decongestants, always follow the instructions to avoid any misuse. Overusing them can result in nosebleeds.
When I doubt, talk to your doctor if you experience frequent nosebleeds and cannot seem to be able to prevent them. ENT specialists may be required for further assessments.
When to seek serious medical advice:
Yes, nosebleeds are a common nose condition. But some instances may already require serious medical advice or immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you:
- Are currently taking an anticoagulant or a blood-thinning medicine like warfarin
- Have clotting disorders like hemophilia, and there is non-stop bleeding
- Have symptoms of anemia like breath shortness, heart palpitations, and pale complexions
- Have a child below two (2) years old having a nosebleed
- Have nosebleeds that regularly come and go
Additionally, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital’s ER or call immediately for an ambulance if:
- Your bleeding has been going for more than twenty (20) minutes already
- You’re experiencing heavy bleeding and have already lost a lot of blood
- You’re breathing has been difficult in line with the bleeding
- You are vomiting because of the large amount of blood you have swallowed
- Your nosebleed resulted from a severe injury from an accident like a car crash
Final Thoughts on Nose Bleeding
Nose conditions like nosebleeds are not to be taken seriously, most of the time. But remember to consult medical assistance if you already have frequent or heavy nose bleeding. This nose condition may indicate more severe health problems, like high blood pressure or disorders in blood clotting, and should be checked right away. Have yourself examined so that nosebleeds and other nose conditions would not bother you ever again.
Are you suspecting more severe problems from your nosebleeds? Our amazing friends at Cache Valley ENT are the best specialists in the field that can help you further treat your nose conditions. Visit them today! https://cachevalleyent.com/
