Nose bleeding is a common complaint. Sometimes it is a side effect of medications and therapies. It can also be a symptom of a serious illness. Check which diseases may indicate nose bleeds.
The vast majority of nosebleeds occur around the septum, as this is where there are many blood vessels that are susceptible to damage, but there are cases of idiopathic bleeding.
Bleeding can occur irrespective of age or gender, and can be related to:
- weather - if you suffer from sinus problems, you may blow your nose more often at certain times of the year. In autumn and winter, this sensitive area becomes dry and easily irritated,
- nose picking - a finger or other tool that helps get rid of unnecessary secretions can damage the inside of the nasal cavity,
- infections - diseases of the upper respiratory tract cause us to blow our nose more often than usual, and the constant pressure on this area can tear blood vessels and cause bleeding.
The causes of nosebleeds can be divided into three groups:
- Pseudo-bleeding, e.g. throat cancer, haemoptysis, esophageal varices,
- Systemic bleeding, e.g. pregnancy, liver failure, hormonal disorders,
- Local bleeding, e.g. microtrauma, perforation of the nasal septum, polyps.
Epistaxis can be a mild sign of a more serious problem.
Find out which 4 diseases can cause a nosebleed
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What to do during a nose bleed?
First of all, don't tilt your head back. If the patient's general condition is severe, they should be placed on their side. This allows the blood to flow out. Lying down or tilting your head back increases the risk of choking on blood.
It's best to sit down and lean forward to control the flowing blood. You can blow your nose carefully and then pinch the wings with your fingers for about 8-10 minutes.
It would be good to have your blood pressure measured as the most common cause of nosebleeds is high blood pressure. If the bleeding continues, you can try to stop the leak by putting cotton wool in your nosesoaked in drops that decongest the mucosa, and if even this does not help, be sure to see a doctor.
About the author
Patrycja Pupiec Editor specializing in he alth promotion and psychology. Curiosity about people and their stories drives her to take up socially difficult topics. Author of the StrefaKobiety series devoted to women's he alth, in which she talks with a doctor about prevention and the problems they face. He likes to be up to date, which is why he follows scientific discoveries, especially those related to medicine. Privately, a lover of animals, hiking and the work of Edward Stachura.