Our Nose can start bleeding suddenly and unexpectedly, from one or both nostrils, leaving us surprised and startled. If this occurs on a regular basis, we should ask ourselves why this is happening, and what can we do to prevent it.
It is a common myth that nosebleeds happen due to high blood pressure. That is not entirely correct. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure not because it has caused the bleeding, but to calm you down and because that is a standard medical procedure.
Your Nose might start bleeding for several reasons. A nosebleed isn’t a symptom of any serious disease. Only general clotting disorders can cause your nose to bleed and these usually cause bleeding to other parts of the body as well, such as in your mouth, gums and under the skin. Nasal membranes often suffer from infections like when we catch a cold. Another cause of nosebleeds can come from trauma to the nose, by nose picking or foreign objects, even when we blow our nose too hard. A dry environment may also be responsible. Lack of humidity dries of the nasal membranes. This may occur more often in the dry summer climate or in wintertime, when temperature and humidity levels fluctuate alot, heaters dry the room atmosphere, and respiratory infections are frequent.
During a nosebleed, you may see one or both nostrils bleed. You may also feel fluid flow in the back of the nose and throat.
Sit down and gently lean forward. Don’t lean your head backwards or you will swallow the blood. Open your mouth so that you can breathe through it. Pinch the soft parts of the nose together between the thumb and index finger. Hold it for 10 minutes and repeat the procedure until the bleeding stops. That will stop the vessels that are bleeding by forming a small blood thrombus. Don’t blow your nose for at least 12 hours because the thrombus might be blown away and the vessels will reopen. Then you can blow gently to remove the blood clot that has been formed in your nose. It may also help to apply a cold compress across the bridge of your nose.
If the bleeding persists or reoccurs, you should see a doctor. He will gently pack the inside of your nose with gauze or, if bleeding still persists, he may need to cauterize the vessels with the use of a heated instrument or caustic chemical. If fierce hitting is what caused the nosebleed, ask to be examined for abnormalities in the diaphragm, which can cause breathing problems later.
After a nosebleed you have to be careful for 12 hours at least. Don’t lift heavy objects. Don’t take aspirin or other medications that thin the blood. Do not smoke or be exposed to dry climate, as this will cause further irritation in the nasal membranes. Instead, choose a moist environment to keep your nose moist as well. You can use a humidifier if the indoor atmosphere is too dry. Also do not pick your nose or force objects in it.
The next time you experience a nosebleed, don’t panic. Nobody likes the view of blood coming out of his or her nose, but it’s probably nothing serious. Follow these simple steps and you will be fine in no time.
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