A sudden nosebleed, also known as epistaxis, can look scary — but in most cases, it’s not serious.
It happens when small blood vessels inside your nose break and start bleeding.
Nosebleeds can happen to anyone, especially during hot weather, dry air, or if you have allergies.
However, frequent or heavy nosebleeds might signal an underlying health problem that needs medical attention.
🩸 Understanding Nosebleeds
Inside your nose are many tiny blood vessels located near the surface.
The most common bleeding spot is called Kiesselbach’s plexus — a cluster of fragile vessels located in the front part of your nasal septum.
Because it’s so delicate, even a small injury can cause visible bleeding.
🌡️ Common Causes of Sudden Nosebleeds
1. Dry or Hot Air
When the air is too dry or hot, the lining of your nose becomes dry and cracked, making blood vessels more likely to burst.
➡️ Common in air-conditioned rooms or during hot weather.
2. Nose Picking or Rubbing Too Hard
The inside of your nose has thin, sensitive tissue.
Picking or rubbing too aggressively can damage the blood vessels and cause bleeding.
➡️ Most common among children.
3. Colds, Sneezing, or Sinus Infections
When you blow your nose too hard or sneeze repeatedly, the pressure inside your nose increases, which may rupture the tiny vessels.
4. Nose Injury or Trauma
A bump, fall, or hit to the nose — even a mild one — can cause immediate bleeding.
5. Nasal Sprays or Blood-Thinning Medications
Using nasal sprays (especially steroid-based ones) for too long can thin the nasal lining.
Certain medications such as Aspirin, Warfarin, or Clopidogrel can also increase the risk of nosebleeds.
⚠️ Serious Causes That Need Medical Check-Up
1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
When your blood pressure is very high, blood vessels in the nose may burst.
➡️ Often happens at night or during emotional stress.
2. Blood-Clotting Disorders
If your blood doesn’t clot properly (due to liver disease, leukemia, or low platelets), even a small bleed can last longer than usual.
3. Nasal Polyps or Growths
If the bleeding always happens from one side of the nose, it may be caused by a polyp or other abnormal tissue growth.
4. Infections or Tumors (Rare but Serious)
In rare cases, chronic infections or nasal tumors can cause bleeding with pus, foul odor, or facial pain.
🧊 What to Do When Your Nose Starts Bleeding
- Sit upright — don’t lie down.
➜ This helps reduce blood flow to the head and prevents swallowing blood. - Pinch your nose for 10–15 minutes.
➜ Use your thumb and index finger to hold the soft part of your nose. Don’t release too soon. - Apply ice or a cold towel on your nose and forehead.
➜ Cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels. - Avoid tilting your head backward.
➜ This can cause blood to flow down your throat and make you nauseous. - Don’t blow your nose right after the bleeding stops.
🚑 When to See a Doctor
- Bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes.
- Nosebleeds occur more than 3 times a week.
- Blood comes with mucus, pus, or a lump.
- You have high blood pressure or take blood-thinning medication.
- You feel dizzy, weak, or faint due to blood loss.
🥗 How to Prevent Nosebleeds
✅ Use a humidifier if your room air is too dry.
✅ Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) inside your nostrils before bed.
✅ Avoid picking or rubbing your nose.
✅ Stay hydrated throughout the day.
✅ Treat allergies or sinus infections early.
✅ Check your blood pressure regularly.
💬 Final Thoughts
Most nosebleeds are harmless and can be managed at home, but repeated or prolonged bleeding should never be ignored.
Keeping your nasal passages moist, avoiding trauma, and maintaining healthy blood pressure are key to prevention.
If your nosebleed doesn’t stop or happens too often, see an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Tiada ulasan:
Catat Ulasan