What are Nosebleeds? - Causes, Treatment and Symptoms

The inner mucosa of the nose contains microscopic blood vessels that keep the air you breathe warm and moist. Six out of ten people will experience a nosebleed, which is characterized as bleeding from one or both nostrils as a result of irritation or injury to the nose’s inner lining. While most of them who experience nosebleeds at some stage of their life can get better with home care, however, in severe nosebleeds that don’t improve, medical attention is needed. Generally, the individuals do not experience any symptoms other than nosebleeds; however, in rare cases, the blood might go down the back of your throat, resulting in additional symptoms such as bad taste & nausea.

Types of Nosebleeds:

• Anterior Nosebleeds: One of the common types of nosebleeds in children, which is characterized by bleeding from the front part of the nose, is often associated with the wall (septum) that separates the nose; tiny blood vessels in this area are fragile and can break & bleed easily.
• Posterior Nosebleeds: One of the common types of nosebleeds in adults, characterized by heavy bleeding from deep inside the nose due to a rupture of large blood vessels near the throat.

What are the Causes of Nosebleeds?

• Environmental: Warm indoor areas, high altitudes, and hot, low-humidity regions can cause nosebleeds due to dry air that irritates the nasal lining.
• Injuries: Injury to the nose or face can cause damage to the nasal passage.
• Conditions: In individuals with a deviated septum, upper respiratory infections, or any inflammation of the inner lining of the nasal passage (rhinitis).
• Exposure to chemicals: Inhaling the air that contains strong odors or chemicals from fumes or cleaning supplies at the workplace.
• Medications: Use of certain medications, such as NSAIDs, antihistamines, and nasal sprays, can dry the nasal membranes, which could contribute to nosebleeds.
• Objects placed by children in the nose can cause injury to the nasal passages & result in nosebleeds.
  Certain bleeding disorders, nasal polyps, or nasal tumors are less common causes.

When should I see a doctor for nosebleeds?

• If you are experiencing bleeding from the nose so frequently.
• If you experience symptoms such as fainting, tiredness, difficulty breathing, or pale skin, which resemble symptoms associated with anemia.
• If you experience a nosebleed while you are taking a new medication.
• If you had a sudden fall or injury to your nose
• If you accidentally swallowed the blood & continuously vomited.
• Suppose you experience a nosebleed accompanied by bruising all over the body. In that case, it can represent a serious condition, such as blood-clotting disorders, emphasizing the need for immediate medical help.

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Diagnosis for nosebleeds:

• The diagnosis includes the symptomatic (How often it’s bleeding, for how long, & whether it’s one or both nostrils involved) & medical, family history & social history (alcohol or use of recreational drugs such as cocaine)
• Nosebleeds are often diagnosed by endoscopic procedures that help in visualizing the nasal passages, combined with imaging tests such as X-rays & CT scans that aid in determining the abnormalities in blood vessels or nasal tumors.

Treatments for nosebleeds:

• If the cause is certain blood-thinning agents, it is advised to stop taking those medications.
• Surgical treatments include septoplasty (deviated septum) & cauterization, which involves heat energy to seal the blood vessels that bleed.

How to stop a nosebleed?

• Breathe through the mouth & stay calm.
• Sit upright & lean forward slightly to prevent the blood from entering the throat.
• Pinch the soft sides of your nose using your thumb & index fingers
• Apply the ice pack on the nose bridge.
• Avoid blowing air through the nose.
• Avoid swallowing the blood if it runs into the throat & spit immediately.

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