Nose bleeding happens when blood vessels around the nose burst, but causes these vessels to burst? Even though you must have nose bled a couple times in your lifetime, there are individuals who nosebleed more frequent than the others. If you are troubled with this abnormality, my little research on causes of nose bleeding and how to do a quick first aid is for you.
Nose bleeding, medically known as epistaxis, can be a distressing and often unexpected occurrence. Although nosebleeds can be alarming, they are generally harmless and can be managed with simple steps. In this blog post, I will explore the common causes, risk factors, and practical steps to take when faced with a nosebleed.
Common Causes of Nose bleeding
Injury to the nose: Any trauma or injury to the nose, such as a blow or accident, can cause nose bleeding.
Anticoagulant: Use of certain medications like Warfarin, which are used to prevent blood clotting, may increase the likelihood of nose bleeding.
Picking your nose: Frequent or forceful nose-picking can damage the delicate blood vessels in the nose, leading to nosebleeds.
Changes in humidity or temperature: This is the most common causes of nose bleeding and definitely the one that has caused most of my nose bleeds. Dry and cracked nasal passages caused by changes in humidity or temperature can make the blood vessels more vulnerable to bleeding. Due to unpredictable weather patterns, humidity is likely to change a lot.
Recent surgery: Nose bleeding can occur as a side effect of certain surgical procedures, particularly those involving the nose or sinuses.
Vascular abnormalities: Some individuals may have abnormalities in the blood vessels of the nose, making them more prone to nosebleeds.
Risk Factors Associated with Nose bleeding
There are factor that may increase your risk of experiencing nose bleeding. These factors include:
Age
Individuals over 50 years are likely to nose bleed compared to those below 50 years. As we age, the blood vessels in our nose become more fragile, making nosebleeds more common.
Antiplatelet/anticoagulant
Medications that affect blood clotting, such as antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, can increase the risk of nose bleeding.
Congestive Heart Failure
People with congestive heart failure may have higher blood pressure, which can contribute to nosebleeds.
Hypertension
Uncontrolled high blood pressure may increase the likelihood of experiencing nosebleeds, although it does not directly cause them.
Diabetes
Individuals with diabetes may have compromised blood vessels, making them more susceptible to nose bleeding.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to increased blood pressure, potentially increasing the risk of nose bleeding.
First Aid to Nose bleeding
The following is a simple step by step guide on how to do a quick first aid to someone nose bleeding. These steps may vary depending on the nature and the cause of the bleeding but they are the simplest way to manage the nose bleed effectively.
Sit the victim up: Help the person sit upright to reduce blood pressure in the nose.
Lean them forward: Tilting the person’s head forward prevents blood from flowing down the throat, reducing the risk of swallowing blood. Ask them to spit out any blood that accumulates in their mouth.
Blow their nose: Encourage the person to gently blow their nose to eliminate any poorly formed blood clots.
Pinch the soft part of the nose: Instruct the person to pinch the soft, fleshy part of their nose (just below the bridge) with thumb and index finger.
Maintain pressure for 10-15 minutes: Advise the person to maintain continuous pressure on the nose for at least 10-15 minutes without releasing it. This pressure helps the blood clot, effectively stopping the bleeding.
Seek medical attention if necessary: If the bleeding persists or is particularly heavy, or if the nosebleed is a result of a head injury, it is advisable to seek medical assistance.
Nose bleeding can be a common and often harmless occurrence, but they can be unsettling. Understanding the common causes, risk factors, and the steps to take can help you manage a nosebleed effectively. Remember to remain calm, follow the steps outlined above, and seek medical attention if necessary. By taking appropriate measures, you can alleviate the discomfort and quickly resolve a nose bleeding.
