Jambo Africa Online’s resident Rhodes University graduate pharmacist, Boitumelo Ntsoane, looks at the problem of nosebleeding
A nose bleed is when a blood vessel in the nose, that carries blood through tissues and organs ruptures which results in blood leaking from the nose. Nose bleeds are medically known as epistaxis. The membranes in the nose get disturbed or dry forming cracks that result in the eruption of the blood vessel. In rare cases, this condition may lead to excessive bleeding and death. The incidence is roughly 5-14%. These incidents peak up at ages younger than 10 years and older than 50 years. Although nose bleeds are minor, but they may require medical assistance.
What Causes It?
Nose bleeds can be a result of trauma or injury to the face such as being in a car accident or digging the nose in hope to find “gold”. In winter months, the air tends to be drier and colds tend to be more prominent, which results in the membranes in the nose drying up from the dry air inhaled. Also excessive blowing of the nose increases pressure build up which causes disruptions in the nose leading to leakage of blood from the nostrils. Nose bleeds can also occur in hot dry climates with low humidity. These unfortunate incidences can be caused by seasonal allergies as well as being adventurous and climbing up high altitudes can have rather a messy outcome. Patients who have issues with high blood pressure and abuse drugs such as aspirin and warfarin can suffer from nose bleeds more than a healthy individual.
There are also other medical conditions that be the source of nose bleeds, such as thrombocytopenia which is a low platelet count, this can be detected by blood samples analysed in a laboratory. These medical conditions would be concluded after a health care professional has carried out all the necessary tests.
Side view of child leaning head back and pinching bridge of nose. Red X indicates not to do this.
How do I stop it?
Stay calm and try to relax. Sit up and keep your head above your heart level. Lean a little forward, this helps keep the blood from draining down the back of your throat. Spit out any blood that accumulates in your mouth or throat. Do not stuff tissue paper, cotton or other material into your nose. Do not lay down or tilt the head back.
Spray oxymetazoline into your nose and firmly pinch the nostrils closed by squeezing the soft part of the nose shut. Apply steady pressure for at least ten minutes. If the bleeding still has not subsided after the ten minutes, reapply the spray and hold for an additional ten minutes. Most bleeds often stop ten to thirty minutes of direct pressure.
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the cross bridge of the nose to encourage vasoconstriction which is the blood vessels narrowing, this would reduce blood leakage.
After the bleeding has stopped; avoid forceful nose blowing, strenuous activity and do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for five to seven days, rather use acetaminophen for pain and discomfort. For chronic or severe nosebleeds, call your doctor or go to the emergency room for clinical evaluation. These nosebleeds may require cauterization, nose packing and occasionally invasive procedures to stop the bleeding. Lastly, it is important to note that nasal sprays (oxymetazoline) should not be used for more than five days because of their ability to exacerbate nasal congestion.
Prevention Tips
Nose bleeds are spontaneous incidences that occur at the oddest hour, however there are some useful tricks to prevent this episode of “red” by avoiding excessive hard blowing of the nose as well as maintaining good hygiene and not digging the nose. Avoid over using cold and allergy medication, as well as cut down smoking as smoking dries up the nostrils. Be careful with your pretty face and avoid things like walking into a clear glass door that can cause injury. Humidifiers can be purchased to ensure your home contains moist air that would not dry up the nose. In terms of dietary intake, an individual is encouraged to drink lots of water to remain hydrated. If a patient has high blood pressure, one can try reduce it by exercising regularly and eating a healthy balanced diet.
Seek immediate medical attention if the nose bleed is not stopping which would show large amounts of blood loss, or if you feel weak and about to faint. Also, if the nosebleed is associated with trauma to the face, which could result in loss of consciousness or blurred vision. If the nosebleed is accompanied by fever or headache or if an infant has a nosebleed. Parents should be vigilant with their children as minors tend to push foreign objects up the nose, these cases should be consulted with a health care professional.
Nose bleeds are messy unfortunate events that can have multiple victims, however simple lifestyle modifications are the basic change that needs to be followed to ensure an all rounded healthy body and healthy mind is maintained.
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