Do you also often get nosebleeds? (Nosebleed) Let's talk about this!

Nosebleeds, or what we call them in English, are actually not as dangerous as they seem. They can be a bit annoying, uncomfortable, and sometimes even scary. But most of the time, they are something that can be easily controlled without much trouble. So let's talk about everything today, okay?

What are the causes of nosebleeds?

There can be a variety of reasons for nosebleeds. Some are very minor, common things. Others require a little more attention.

Reasons that are common to children and many others

• Dry air: Especially when you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms, or on cold, dry days, the delicate membranes inside your nose can dry out. This can cause the tiny blood vessels inside your nose to burst and bleed. Think of it like our skin cracking when it gets dry.
• Nose picking: This is very common among young children, isn't it? When they pick their nose with their fingers , they can get their nails cut or the delicate areas inside their noses can get cut and bleed.
• Nose picking: When you have a cold, some people pick their nose vigorously to clear mucus. Doing so can increase the pressure inside the nose and cause blood vessels to burst.
• Minor injuries: If you get a small bump on your nose while playing, or if you get hit anywhere, it can cause bleeding.
• Colds , Allergies , and Sinus Infections (Sinusitis) : In these conditions, the membranes inside the nose become swollen, red, and tender. They are also more likely to bleed.
• Foreign body: Young children sometimes put things like toys or peas in their noses. This can cause the nose to become injured and bleed.

Other reasons to be a little careful

These are a bit less, but good to know:

• Changes in the shape of the nose: Some people may have a slightly deviated nasal septum, which can cause frequent nosebleeds.
• High blood pressure (Hypertension): This mostly affects adults. High blood pressure can also damage blood vessels and cause bleeding.
• Medications that reduce blood clotting : People who take blood-thinning medications like `(Aspirin)` and `(Warfarin)` are also more likely to bleed. If you are taking such medications and experience frequent nosebleeds, you should tell your doctor .
• Bleeding disorders: These are very rare. People with diseases like hemophilia have difficulty controlling their bleeding. If you have frequent, unstoppable nosebleeds or bruising, you should also consider this. However, this is a very rare condition.
• Tumors: This is also very, very rare, especially in children. But if you have persistent bleeding on one side, if your nose feels stuffy on that side, or if you have facial pain or swelling, it's a good idea to see a doctor. Don't worry, these are very rare.

Are there different types of nosebleeds?

Yes, simply put, there are two types.

1. Anterior nosebleed: This is the most common type (about 90%). The bleeding starts in the front of the nose, on the wall that separates the two nostrils (the nasal septum). There are many small blood vessels here. Bleeding like this can often be stopped easily.

2. Posterior nosebleed: This is a rare occurrence. The bleeding occurs deep inside the nose, towards the throat. This is more common in older people, those who have had a serious injury to the face or nose, or those who have high blood pressure. When this type of bleeding occurs, it can sometimes go down the throat and is difficult to stop. In such cases, you should definitely see a doctor.

Things you should do when you have a nosebleed

Okay, now let's see what you should do when your nose starts bleeding. Don't panic, just follow these steps exactly.

1. Calm down, sit up straight:

• First of all , don't be afraid, don't panic. Stay calm.
• Never lie down. Sit up straight or stand up. If you lie down, blood can go into your throat, causing vomiting and coughing.

2. Tilt your head forward:

• Use a tissue or a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the blood.
• Tilt your head forward a little. This is very important. A mistake that many people make is tilting their head back. Don't do that! If you do that, the blood will go straight to your throat, and if you swallow it, you may get stomach cramps and vomit.

3. Pinch your nose:

• Now, using your thumb and index finger, grab the soft part of your nose, just below the bony part , and press firmly. To be precise, close both nostrils.
• Breathe through your mouth.
• You should definitely hold this position for 10 minutes straight . Don't open your hand halfway through. Don't open your hand to say, "Look, is it okay?" 10 minutes can seem like a long time when you actually do it. So check your watch, or ask someone at home to check the time.

4. What if it doesn't stop?

• If the bleeding has not stopped completely after pressing for exactly 10 minutes, press the nose again for another 10 minutes .
• If the bleeding does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes a second time, or if the bleeding seems to be very heavy, immediately tell your mother, father, or an adult at home to see a doctor.

5. Then don't do these things:

• After the bleeding stops, don't pick, rub, or scratch your nose vigorously for a few hours. Doing so may cause the bleeding to return.
• Also, avoid drinking very hot things, taking hot baths, and lifting heavy objects for a few hours.

The most important thing is to follow these steps calmly and without panicking. Most of the time, this will stop the bleeding.

Here are the steps in brief as a reminder:

• Don't slouch. Sit up straight.
• Bend your head forward. Don't bend it back.
• Press the soft part of your nose for 10 minutes. Breathe through your mouth.
• If it doesn't stop, press for another 10 minutes.
• If there is still bleeding, see a doctor.
• Do not pick or scratch your nose after the bleeding has stopped.

When should we talk to a doctor about this?

Although most nosebleeds can be stopped at home, sometimes we need to seek help from a doctor.

• If the bleeding is very heavy: This means that the tissue becomes wet very quickly, and it feels like the blood has been flowing for about a cupful.
• If you can't stop the bleeding after applying pressure for 20 minutes (twice for 10 minutes).
• If your nose bleeds frequently: That means several times a week.
• If you have a serious injury to your nose or face that starts bleeding. For example, after being hit by someone, falling, or having an accident.
• If you feel dizzy, weak, or faint when you bleed.
• If you are taking blood thinners like Aspirin or Warfarin and have frequent nosebleeds.
• If you have nosebleeds, blood in your urine or stool, or if you have unexplained bruising on your body.
• If a young child has frequent nosebleeds: Check to see if there is something stuck in the nose or if there is another cause.
• If you have persistent bleeding from only one nostril, and you have other symptoms on that side, such as nasal congestion, facial pain, or swelling (this is very rare, but it's a good idea to see a doctor ).
• If you know you have a bleeding disorder.

A doctor will look for the cause of the bleeding. Sometimes a ruptured blood vessel inside the nose can be cauterized to stop it. Or a nasal packing can be placed in the nose to stop the bleeding. All of these are done only if the bleeding cannot be stopped.

What can we do to prevent nosebleeds?

There are several things we can do to avoid frequent nosebleeds.

• Keep the air moist: If the air in your home is dry, especially in rooms with AC, use a humidifier. This adds moisture to the air.
• Keep your nose moist: Ask your doctor about using a saline nasal spray or nasal drops. Spraying it into your nose two or three times a day will help keep your nose moist. You can also apply a little petroleum jelly or coconut oil to the inside of your nose, gently rubbing it in (don't put it too deep).
• Avoid nose-picking: Teach this to little ones. Keep their nails trimmed short.
• Gently blow your nose: When you have a cold, cover one side and slowly blow the other side. Don't blow both sides vigorously at once.
• Wear protective gear: If you play sports that can cause nose injuries (e.g. boxing, rugby), wear a protective face mask.
• Get treatment for allergies: If you have allergies to things like dust and pollen, they can cause swelling and bleeding inside your nose. Get the right treatment from a doctor.
• Avoid smoking: The membranes inside the nose of smokers become dry and can become injured more easily.

Final Take-Home Message

Okay, so let's remind you again of the most important points from what we've talked about.

• Nosebleeds are usually not serious. Don't worry.
• When the bleeding starts, sit up straight, tilt your head forward, and press the soft part of your nose for 10 minutes.
• Don't tilt your head back.
• If you can't stop the bleeding, if it's constant, or if you have other serious symptoms , be sure to see a doctor.
• Keeping the nose moist and avoiding nosebleeds can help prevent nosebleeds.

So, I hope this answers a lot of your questions about nosebleeds. Remember, this information is for your own information only, and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, it is best to talk to a doctor.

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