Nosebleed

What is nosebleed?

Nosebleeds are common but rarely indicate a serious medical condition. Frequent nosebleeds could mean a more serious issue. There are two kinds of bleeding from the nose.  An anterior nosebleed occurs when the blood vessels in the front of the nose break and bleed. A posterior nosebleed occurs in the back or the deepest part of the nose. In this case, blood flows down the back of the throat.

What causes one’s nose to bleed?

Dry air is the most common cause of nosebleeds. During the harmattan, dry air can dry out the nasal membranes which causes crusting inside the nose. Crusting may itch or become irritated which can bleed if picked or scratched. Taking antihistamines and decongestants for allergies, colds, or sinus problems can also dry out the nasal membranes and cause nosebleeds.

Frequent nose blowing is another cause of nosebleeds. Other common causes of nosebleeds include: foreign object stuck in the nose, chemical irritants, allergic reaction, injury to the nose, repeated sneezing or picking the nose. More serious causes are high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, blood clotting disorders, cancer.

What can one do in case of a bleeding nose?

Nosebleeds can easily be managed in the home. However medical care should be sought if the nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes, if it occurs after an injury, or if the nosebleeds are frequent. When the cause of a nosebleed is not clear, or in cases of injury the following tests may be conducted by a doctor. These include full blood count, partial thromboplastin time, nasal endoscopy, Computed Tomographic Scan of the nose, x-ray of the face and nose. If you have an anterior nosebleed, you can manage it at home with this method.

While sitting up, squeeze the soft part of your nose. Make sure that your nostrils are fully closed. Keep your nostrils closed for 10 minutes, lean forward slightly, and breathe through your mouth. Don’t lie down when trying to stop a nosebleed. Lying down can result in swallowing blood and can irritate your stomach. Release your nostrils after 10 minutes and check to see if the bleeding has stopped.

Repeat these steps if bleeding continues. You can also apply a cold compress over the bridge of your nose or use a nasal spray decongestant to close off the small blood vessels. To prevent nosebleed, avoid picking your nose, limit your use of aspirin after discussing with your doctor, use antihistamines and decongestants in moderation. Use a saline spray or gel to keep the nasal passages moist, especially during the harmattan.