Nosebleeds
Definition
What is a nosebleed?
Nosebleeds or commonly called nosebleeds are a common symptom characterized by blood coming out of the nose. This is caused by ruptured blood vessels in the nose. Usually, blood only comes out of one nostril.
Almost everyone experiences this one nose disorder at least once in their life. In most cases, nosebleeds can be treated by pressing on the nose. However, for some people, further medical treatment is needed.
How common is this condition?
This condition is quite common. Children are twice as likely to experience nosebleeds as adults.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, children are more prone to bleeding in the nose because the number of blood vessels in the walls of the nasal passages is far more than adults.
By reducing the risk of causing nose bleeding, you can avoid this condition. Please consult a doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of a nosebleed?
Nosebleeds are a symptom characterized by bleeding from one or both sides of the nose. Blood can also flow to the back of the throat and can cause coughing or vomiting of blood.
If your stool is dark, you have swallowed a lot of blood.
There are other symptoms that may not be described above. Please consult a doctor if you have any questions about these symptoms.
When should I consult a doctor?
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a nosebleed with any of the following conditions:
1. The nosebleed lasts for more than 20 minutes
A nosebleed is said to be severe if it lasts for more than 20 minutes. This condition may occur if you are taking blood thinners.
However, if you don’t use it, prolonged nosebleeds can be a sign of a blood clotting disorder.
2. You lose a lot of blood
On average, the amount of blood that comes out during a nosebleed is no more than 1.5 teaspoons. The blood around the injured blood vessel then clots, causing the flow to stop.
Beware if the nosebleed is so bad that you have to use up sheets of tissue in just 5 minutes.
3. Nosebleeds occur as a result of serious injury
Apart from natural causes, bleeding from the nose can also occur as a result of injury or severe impact.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience this. The earliest possible examination will help detect fractures in the nose, concussions, and injuries to other parts of the body that are not realized.
4. You taste the blood on the tongue
Most cases of nosebleeds occur due to the rupture of a blood vessel at the front of the nasal cavity.
You will not feel any blood in your mouth because the blood will immediately flow out of the nasal cavity into the nostrils.
If you can feel blood on your tongue or mouth, this could be a symptom of posterior bleeding.
This bleeding occurs at the back of the nose and is more difficult to stop. The nosebleeds that occur are usually more severe and require medical attention.
Cause
What causes nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds are a condition caused when the vessels in the nose burst as a result of injury.
Other causes can be caused by the influence of chemicals, infections, abnormalities of blood vessels in the nose, and diseases such as hypertension.
Dry air in winter is also a common cause of dry noses and nosebleeds.
The following is a list of conditions that can cause nosebleeds:
- the habit of picking up upil
- blowing your nose too hard
- the inside of the nose is too dry
- trauma or injury to the nose
- nasal polyps
- high blood pressure
- blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia or Von Willebrand’s disease
- certain drugs, such as warfarin
Risk factors
What factors increase my risk of developing this condition?
Factors that increase the risk are:
1. Dry weather conditions
In winter or summer, dry air can cause air humidity to decrease so that the dry nasal mucosa makes the blood vessels in the nose prone to injury.
Nosebleeds often occur when body tissues face changes in humidity levels at the changing seasons.
2. Nasal septum (wall separating the nasal cavity)
The location of the septum that deviates to one side of the nasal cavity makes the incoming air flow unbalanced.
The difference in air pressure that enters through the narrow nasal cavity causes the mucosal walls of the nose to become dry, rupture, and lead to the risk of nosebleeds.
3. Suffering from colds and allergies
Respiratory tract infections and allergies can cause inflammation inside the nose. Inflamed blood vessels cause nasal congestion.
Exhaling too hard through your nose can cause bleeding again after hemostasis.
4. Irritation due to exposure to chemicals
Secondhand smoke inhaled by secondhand smoke is also at risk of causing bleeding in the nose to occur.
A person can also experience this condition due to exposure to sulfuric acid, ammonia, gasoline or other chemicals in the work environment.
5. Suffering from certain diseases
People who have certain congenital diseases are also at risk for nosebleeds.
Some of these include kidney failure, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, and congenital blood clotting disorders (such as hemophilia).
6. Alcohol dependence
Alcohol affects the normal function of platelets in the blood so that the blood clotting process becomes slower.
Alcohol also dilates the surface of blood vessels and is prone to injury and bleeding.
7. Using drugs that affect the blood clotting process
These medications include prescription drugs such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin such as ibuprofen.
Similar to anticoagulants, some supplements may contain chemicals that prolong the bleeding process.
Drugs & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How do doctors diagnose this condition?
Nosebleeds are generally a condition that can be treated at home. The doctor will diagnose the disease according to the medication consumed by the patient and the results of a clinical examination.
You can have a complete blood test if you have heavy bleeding or are suspected of having a blood disease or disorder as the cause of your nosebleed.
What are my treatment options for nosebleeds?
Here is the first aid you can do when bleeding in the nose occurs:
- The first thing you can do is keep your head down. This is done so that blood does not enter the respiratory tract.
- Sit and bend forward so that the blood does not flow down your throat and prevents vomiting of blood.
- Then, the next thing that can be done is to press the nose bridge. Press the bridge of the nose (just below the nasal bone) with the thumb and forefinger for 8-10 minutes until the bleeding stops.
- To help reduce bleeding, apply ice to the neck or nose.
For over-the-counter nosebleeds, you can choose a nasal decongestant spray that contains oxymetazoline. This medicine will help stop bleeding.
However, you can only use decongestant sprays for up to 3 days. After that, you have to stop using it for a week first.
Solution saline sprayed into the nose can also reduce nasal dryness.
If there is heavy bleeding, you need a doctor’s help. If needed, provide gauze to keep your nose blocked for a while.
Doctors can also perform actions on damaged blood vessels to prevent bleeding.
Prevention
What are some lifestyle changes that can be made to prevent nosebleeds?
Here are lifestyle and household remedies that can help you deal with the condition of the discharge of blood from the nose:
- Control your blood pressure.
- Avoid using aspirin.
- Maintain humidity in the home and work place. If possible, apply a little petroleum jelly into the nostrils and wear a mask or scarf in cold, dry conditions. Nasal spray with solution saline also can stop bleeding due to dry weather.
- Avoid exposure to chemicals, dust or filter masks. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid nasal spray if you have an infection or allergy.
If you have any questions, please consult a doctor to better understand the best solution for you.
Hello Health Group and Hello Sehat do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check our editorial policy page for more detailed information.
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