A nosebleed means blood loss from the tissues that lines the inside of your nose. In medical terms, it is known as Epistaxis. It can either occur in one nostril or sometimes in both. However, in most cases, it affects only one nostril.

Your nose has tiny blood vessels. These vessels help keep the air we breathe warm and moist. But as these lie very close to the inner surface of your nose, when air moves through the nose, it dries and causes irritation in the vessels. This ultimately injures or breaks the vessels, causing nosebleeds. HJ Hospitals in Congo delivers exceptional healthcare focusing on patient well-being and comfort. The ENT specialist ensures that each individual receives tailored treatment, fostering a path to improved health.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of this is blood coming from your nose. However, if you have a posterior nosebleed, blood may drain down the back of your throat into your stomach. If such symptoms occur, it may be a sign of another medical condition. Visit an ENT specialist if you have frequent nosebleeds.

Causes

1. Infections – Some of the most common causes are colds and sinusitis, which are caused by infections. During this, you frequently sneeze and cough, which causes the nose vessels to break, thus leading to nosebleeds.
2. Allergies – Different people are allergic to different things. In a few cases, this occurs when people come in close contact with anything they are allergic to, such as pollen, mold, or certain food items.
3. High altitudes – As the altitude increases, the air becomes thinner, and there arises a lack of oxygen, causing nosebleeds.
4. Medications – Some blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and warfarin, also cause this.
5. Chemical irritants – Coming in frequent contact with chemicals used in cleaning supplies or chemical fumes with strong odors at the workplace is another cause of this medical condition.
6. Nasal Sprays – Very frequent use of nasal sprays and medications to treat runny nose can also cause this because these sprays dry out your nasal membranes.

How to stop a nosebleed

If you suddenly start having it, make sure to use the following steps:

1. Sit upright and lean your body by keeping your head slightly forward. This will stop the blood from running down your throat.
2. Keep your mouth open, and try to breathe through your mouth.
3. Use a tissue or damp washcloth to stop the flow of blood.
4. Use your index finger and thumb to pinch together the soft part of your nose so that the bleeding stops.
5. You can also apply an ice pack to the bridge of your nose. This further narrows down the blood vessels and slows the bleeding.
6. Once the bleeding has stopped, don't bend over or lift something heavy. Also, make sure not to blow or rub your nose for some days.

If the problem persists, it is advisable to consult an ENT specialist and seek medical advice and prescription.

Treatment

1. Cauterization – It is a medical technique in which the ENT specialist burns the blood vessels in your nose with a heating device or silver nitrate. A balloon catheter may also be used to apply pressure on your blood vessels to stop the bleeding.
2. Nasal Packing – A gauze or nasal sponge is inserted into the nose to create pressure at the site of the bleeding. This is left in the nose for 24 to 48 hours to make the treatment effective.

Conclusion

Epistaxis or nosebleeds are very common yet irritating medical conditions. You can learn some easy first aid to stop the bleeding. Although most cases are not severe, you must see an ENT specialist if you have a nosebleed frequently. Committed to providing comprehensive services, HJ Hospitals in Congo has a dedicated team of ENT specialists to diagnose and treat various ear, nose, and throat conditions.