Nosebleeds: Treatment, Causes and Therapy

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Lee Health

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Apr 01, 2021

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Florida - Southwest

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Floridas tourist season offers visitors from the Midwest, Eastern seaboard, and other wintry regions of the United States a break from cold, dry airan all-too common factor of nosebleeds.
Cold air moving through the nose can dry and irritate the membranes that line the inside of the nose. Nosebleeds are more common in the winterwhen cold viruses are prevalent and indoor air typically is drierbut they can happen in any season and for other reasons, too.
Seven out of ten peoplewill have at least one nosebleed in their life. Theyre more common in kids between 2 and 10 years old, and in adults older than 50.
Most nosebleeds look worse than they are. They can also be messy and uncomfortable but theyre rarely life threatening.
So dont worry, in most instances. If youre having nosebleeds but youre unsure why, this information can help you find a solution.
Types of nosebleeds
Michael Horowitz, M.D., a board-certified neurosurgeon with Lee Physicians Group, says while most nosebleeds are harmless and easily treated, the more serious cases of nasal bleeding involve repeat bouts that resist treatment and prevention.
Ten percent of nosebleeds can be considered serious events because they can lead to airway obstruction from blood in the throat, breathing blood into the lungs, and significant blood loss, he says.
Dr. Horowitz says there are two types of nosebleed, or epistaxis as its known medically:

Most nosebleeds occur in the front part of the nose where the septumthe wall separating your nostrilsis rich with blood vessels. This type of nosebleed responds to remedies like applying pressure over the affected area.
Posterior nosebleeds typically occur much deeper in the nose. These nosebleeds usually produce gushing blood from both nostrils and may also bleed into the throat. Theyre less common, last longer, and more difficult to control than anterior nosebleeds.

How to treat a nosebleed

To slow bleeding, sit upright to reduce the pressure in your nose.
Tip your head forward to avoid swallowing blood.
Pinch the soft part of your nose (just below the bony part) and breathe through your mouth for about 10 minutes.
If your nose still bleeds after 10 minutes of pressure, pinch it for an additional 10 minutes. If the bleeding continues, contact your doctor.
Once the bleeding has stopped, dont pick or blow your nose. Also, avoid bending forward.

What causes a nosebleed?

Picking your nose or rubbing it too hard
Very cold or heated air that dries out the inside of your nose.
Allergy medicines, decongestant nasal sprays, or other medications
Colds, sneezing, sinus or respiratory infections
Chronic sinusitis or rhinitis
Environmental irritants

Posterior nosebleeds typically require advanced treatment approaches, according to Dr. Horowitz. Blood thinners such as Warfarin and Plavix, and even aspirin, can cause or worsen posterior nosebleeds. Other causes include high blood pressure, blood clotting disorder, and arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
AVM is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, Dr. Horowitz explains, who is also a neuroendovascular surgeon. Nosebleeds are common manifestations of genetic disorder called Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome, which affects about 1 in 5,000 people. But whatever the cause of any recurrent and excessive nosebleeds youre having, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment. Treatment options are available.
Endovascular treatment: One and done
For the appropriate patient, Dr. Horowitz says endovascular therapy offers a sound treatment option for controlling excessive nosebleeds.
The procedure is painless, minimally invasive, and quick.
For patients undergoing endovascular surgery on a non-emergent basis, the procedure doesnt require a hospital stay or follow-up, either.
When to see your doctor
You should call the doctor or visit the emergency department if:

You feel dizzy, weak, or faint (like you might pass out).
Your nose is bleeding fast or you seem to be losing a lot of blood.
You just started taking a new medicine.
You have other symptoms like unusual bruising on your body.
You are bleeding for a long time after you get hurt.
You are bleeding from other areas of your body, such as your gums.

Submitted and Written By: Lee Health - click here for more information

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