Epistaxis also known as Nose bleeding is a disease condition which causes blood to trickle out of the nose, nose bleeding occurs easily because of the location of the nose and the location of the blood vessels in the nasal region which lines the nose.
There are two classes of epistaxis (Nose bleeding):
Anterior hemorrhage;
Posterior hemorrhage;
AETIOLOGY (CAUSES)
Nose bleeding has many root causes, but fortunately, most cases are not serious. The most common causes of nose bleeding are dry air. Dry air can be caused by hot, low-humidity climates or heated indoor air. Both environments cause the nasal membrane (the delicate tissue inside the nose) to dry out and become crusty or cracked and more likely to bleed when rubbed or picked or when blowing your nose.
The following are the causes of Nose bleeding;
Nose picking.
Colds (upper respiratory infections) and sinusitis, especially episodes that cause repeated sneezing, coughing and nose blowing.
Blowing one's nose with force.
Inserting an object into your nose.
Injury to the nose and/or face.
Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal lining).
Blood-thinning drugs and certain prescription medications (aspirin, coumadin, antihistamines, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Dry nostril passages
Deviated nasal spectrum (nasal septum is out of placed on one side)
Cocaine use
Foreign object in the nose (children love to put things in their noses)
Recent nasal surgery (medical related or plastic surgery)
Secondary to a disease or condition that has not been diagnosed yet
High blood pressure
Anxiety
Blunt force trauma to the face (car accident, hit with a baseball, trauma)
Broken nose
SYMPTOMS:
Blood coming out of the nostril either one or two of the nostrils.
Blood can also drip into the back of the throat or down into the stomach, causing a person to spit up or even vomit blood.
PREVENTION
You can help to prevent nosebleeds by:
Not picking your nose
Being gentle whenever you blow your nose
Not smoking
Using a humidifier if your indoor climate is dry during the winter months
Using a nonprescription saline nasal spray to moisturize the inside of your nose
Applying a dab of nasal gel or petroleum jelly to the inside of your nostrils before bedtime
Avoiding facial trauma by wearing a seatbelt and shoulder harness in the car and by using well-fitting headgear to protect your face during contact sports, such as football or karate
Using protective equipment to avoid breathing irritating chemicals at work.
TREATMENT
If you are bleeding from the front of your nose, begin by trying the following first-aid measures:
Sit up (so your head is above the level of your heart), lean forward slightly and breathe through your mouth.
With your thumb and index finger, pinch the entire front of your nose (just above your nostrils and below the hard, bony base) and hold for five minutes.
At the same time, use your other hand to apply an ice pack or a plastic bag of crushed ice to the bridge of your nose to slow blood flow.
After you have pinched your nose for five minutes, release it to see if your nose is still bleeding. Keep the ice pack on for another 10 to 15 minutes.
If your nose is still bleeding, pinch it for an additional 10 minutes.
Release your nose again. If you are still bleeding, seek emergency medical help.
When simple first aid does not stop a nosebleed, your doctor may treat the problem by:
Applying medication directly to the inside of your nose to stop the bleeding
Sealing off (cauterizing) the injured blood vessel with a chemical, such as silver nitrate, or with an electric probe
Packing your nose with gauze or a sponge
Using other methods, such as:
Laser therapy - A laser beam seals the bleeding blood vessel
Embolization - A special plug inserted into the bleeding vessel blocks blood flow
Surgery - Ties off a selection of blood vessels
REFERENCE
Nosebleed Causes, Symptoms, First Aid Remedies, and Treatments., Medical Author: Steven Doerr, MD; Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD., Reviewed on 10/9/2019.
What Causes Nosebleeds and How to Treat Them; Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D. — Written by Valencia Higuera — Updated on March 24, 2019.
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