Nose bleeds/bleeding from the nose can be frightening, even though they are common and usually quite harmless. Also called epistaxis, nose bleeds occur easily because the blood vessels in the lining of the nose are close to the surface.
Nose bleeds can occur from a variety of causes, including:
Injury to the nose
Dry air
Using nasal steroid sprays
Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, or tumors
Blood thinners
Can also be a symptom of serious disease eg typhoid, malaria, viral fevers like Ebola,
Climate conditions can contribute to nosebleeds.
Low temperature and low humidity can make the nose work over-time. The lining of the
nose dries out and tiny blood vessels break.
Fortunately, most nosebleeds are easily managed on your own. If you or a loved one
experiences a nose bleed, follow these steps for treatment:
Hold the head up, and slightly forward; do not tilt your head back to avoid pooling of blood in posterior pharynx.
Squeeze the soft part of the nose between index finger and thumb for 15 minutes, avoiding the bony part. Breathe through the mouth and spit out any blood.
See your medical provider if the bleeding will not stop or occurs frequently.
Once the bleeding has stopped, do not touch or blow your nose as this may cause it to bleed again. Instead, use moisture to allow the nose to heal.
To help lower the chances of having a nosebleed, there are steps you can take.
Avoid picking your nose
Moisturize the nose with saline mist, gel, or clean water.
If your nose is extremely dry, lightly dabbing petroleum jelly on the inside of the nose, then pinch gently to smear ensuring coverage towards the middle of the nose. Most nosebleeds occur towards the center of the nose rather than towards the cheek.
If you are experiencing frequent nosebleeds, or would like to make and appointment,
contact Clinison Medical Center, Ear Nose and Throat Department on
0704007172/0763172308 or www.clinisonmedical.com
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