Causes and Treatments of Nose Bleeding

Epistaxis or nosebleeding can be the primary or secondary disorder which mean nosebleeding can be a symptom of a more serious disorder. Epistaxis in children usually originates in the anterior nasal septum and tends to be mild. In adults, such as bleeding is most likely to originate in the posterior septum and can be severe. Nosebleed is more common in children than in adults. Simple observation confirms epistaxis; inspection with a bright light and nasal speculum is necessary to locate the site of bleeding.

Causes: Trauma from external or internal causes, such as a blow to the nose, nose picking, or insertion of a foreign body, is the usual cause, Polyps, Infections like sinusitis that can cause congestion and eventually bleeding. Inhalation of chemicals that irritate the nasal mucosa.

Signs and Symptoms

Bleeding is considered severe if it continues longer than 10 minutes after pressure is applied and may cause blood loss as great as 1 liter/ hour in adults

• Blood oozing from the nostrils
• Possible blood in the middle ear and in the corners of the eyes in severe epistaxis.
• Light -headedness, dizziness
• Slight respiratory distress
• Shock. Severe hemorrhage causes a drop in blood pressure, rapid and pounding pulse, shortness of breath, pallor (pale color of the skin due to reduced amount of oxyhemoglobin in the blood).

Treatment:

• Application of aloe vera gelly or extra virgin olive oil on a cotton to the bleeding site, make sure to apply pressure.
• Supplemental intake of Vitamin K
• For severe bleeding , blood transfusion and surgical ligation of a bleeding artery is needed.
• Make sure that the patient eat lots of fruits and vegetables for him to have a stronger resistant to infections

What to do to control nosebleeding:

• Elevate the patient's head 45 degrees
• Compress the soft portion of the nostrils for 5 to 10 minutes, to stop the bleeding.
• Put an ice bag or cold towel to the nose.
• Monitor vital signs and skin color; record blood loss.
• Tell the patient to breathe through his mouth .
• Reassure the patient and family that epistaxis usually looks worse than it is.
• If the bleeding does not stop bring the patient to the doctor.

Note: To prevent recurrent of epistaxis, tell the patients not to pick his nose or insert any foreign objects in it. Always go for a follow-up examinations and periodic blood studies after experiencing an episode of nosebleeding.