Nose Bleeds
A nosebleed is simply the loss of blood from the tissue that lines the inside of your nose. In medical terminology it is called as epistaxis.
Most nosebleeds are not serious and/or life-threatening and will resolve on their own. Some 60% of people will have at least one nosebleed in their lifetime and only 6% may need immediate medical intervention. Though alarming to look at, but most of the bleeds can be managed at home. Most nosebleeds do not have an underlying disease and can be caused by dry air, heated indoor air causing the delicate tissue of the nose to dry out, become crusty and likely to bleed if rubbed or picked. However, if you have very frequent nosebleeds or have had an injury to the nose, due to which the bleed doesn’t stop even after 20 minutes of applying pressure or causes difficulty in breathing then medical attention is required. An examination by an ENT would help in diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seeing blood coming out of the nose is quite alarming. So the first thing to do is to relax. Sit upright and lean your body and your head slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose with the thumb and index finger for at least five minutes. If the nosebleed slows, continue holding for another 15 minutes. Breathe through your mouth.
You should immediately see your ENT doctor, if you are losing a heavy amount of blood, feel faint or lightheaded, if you cannot stop your nosebleed after 20 minutes of trying or have had an immediate injury to your head, face or nose.
Yes. Nose bleeds are described by the site of the bleed. The most common is the anterior nosebleed which starts in the front of the nose on the lower part of the wall that separates the two sides of the nose. This is most common in children. The other posterior nosebleed is caused by a bleed in larger blood vessels in the back part of the nose near the throat. This can be a more serious nosebleed.