Why does the Nose Bleed?
Each one of us has had a nose bleed at some point of time or another. Infact, this is a very common ailment in people, though it’s mostly children who are seen to suffer from it more frequently. The nose lining contains various tiny blood vessels that tend to bleed quite easily. And there are a number of reasons responsible for encouraging a nose bleed in people.
Crucial Reasons That Cause Nose Bleed Include -
- Dry nose
- Nose picking
- Forceful nose blowing
- Allergy
- Sinusitis
- Colds
- Blood-thinning drugs
More Frequent Nose Bleeding – A Sign of Danger
Occasional nose bleeding in both children and adults is common and is not a matter to be worried about. On the other hand, if a person is having frequent nose bleeds, for instance more than once a week and if the bleeding is heavy and hard to stop, then it could be a sign of a serious problem. In this case, it is seriously advised that the person consult a doctor.
Home Remedies for Nose Bleed
Incase of occasional nose bleed, there are a number of home remedies to stop it.
- Before you begin to stop the nose bleed, blow your nose once forcefully. This will blow out any clot that is keeping the blood vessel in the nose lining open. Once the clot is out, the flexible fibers around that minute opening in the nose will itself contract.
- At times, the act of blowing the nose accompanied by application of a little bit of pressure is sufficient for stopping the nose bleed.
- You can also cap the bleeding side with wet cotton. Keep a nasal spray at home for this purpose. Incase you do not have cotton handy, use simple sterilized gauze instead. You can take the cotton or the gauze out after 10 to 15 minutes.
- Sit straight whenever you have a nose bleed. This is because if you recline or tilt your head back, the blood may run towards and into your throat instead of tickling down the nose.
- You can try holding an ice pack alongside the nose area. The cold will cause the blood vessels in the nose lining to constrict and lessen bleeding.
- Do not pick your nose when it is bleeding. Otherwise, it will take seven to 10 days for the rupture in the nose’s blood vessel to heal completely.
- Apply an antibiotic / steroid ointment.
- Watch your aspirin intake. Aspirin can interfere with clotting. If you're prone to nosebleeds, experts advise that you not take unnecessary aspirin.
- Get your blood pressure checked. Persons with hypertension are prone to having nosebleeds.
- Every time you breathe in air, it the job of the nose to ensure that the air that reaches lungs is well humidified. As such, when your surroundings are dry, your nose has to work extra hard. So it’s advised that you humidify the air with a good air humidifier.
- Be cautious in selecting oral contraceptives. Estrogen controls the production of mucus in the body and anything altering the estrogen levels makes one more prone to nosebleeds. Some types of oral contraceptives also tend to affect this balance.
- Do not smoke.