NOSE BLEEDS/EPISTAXIS

WHAT IS EPISTAXIS?

Epistaxis (also called a nosebleed) refers to minor bleeding from the blood vessels of the nose. Epistaxis is a commonly-found complaint, especially in fields of emergency medicine related to the treatment of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions. Epistaxis more commonly occurs in children (ages 2–10) and older adults (ages 50–80).

TYPES OF EPISTAXIS

1. ANTERIOR
2. POSTERIOR

CAUSES OF EPISTAXIS

The most common cause of nosebleeds is 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 your nose) to dry out and become crusty or cracked and more likely to bleed when rubbed or picked or when blowing your nose.

Other common causes of nosebleeds include:

• Nose picking.
• Colds (upper respiratory infections) and sinusitis, especially episodes that cause repeated sneezing, coughing and nose blowing.
• Blowing your 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 (aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin, and others).
• Cocaine and other drugs inhaled through the nose.
• Chemical irritants (chemicals in cleaning supplies, chemical fumes at the workplace, other strong odors).
• High altitudes. The air is thinner (lack of oxygen) and drier as the altitude increases.
• Deviated septum (an abnormal shape of the wall that separates the two sides of the nose).
• Frequent use of nasal sprays and medications to treat itchy, runny or stuffy nose. These medications – antihistamines and decongestants – can dry out the nasal membranes.

Other  less common causes of nosebleeds include:

• Alcohol use.
• Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease or leukemia.
• High blood pressure.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Facial and nasal surgery.
• Nasal tumors or polyps.
• Pregnancy.

TREATMENT OF EPISTAXIS

HOME REMEDIES

ONION – Onion is a good clotting agent. Fumes of onion help in blood clotting. Cut 1 onion into thick slices, then press one piece under your nose and inhale and put 2-3 drops of onion juice in each nostril.

SALINE WATER – Add a pinch of salt to half a cup of water, stir well. Put a few drops of this solution in your nose. Saline water moistens the inner lining of the nasal passage. Alternatively few drops of a nasal spray can be used. This is mainly useful in winters or cold and dry climates.

CORIANDER- Prevents bleeding due to its cooling and soothing nature. It is a natural antihistamine. Keeps many allergies away.

TULSI

Tulsi helps in soothing the nerve thus preventing nose bleeds.

NETTLE

Promotes clotting and keeps bleeding in check due to its astringent properties.