As temperature soars, there’s a surge in number of nosebleed cases

Nose bleeding, medically known as ‘epistaxis’, is one of the most common problems and for someone who experiences it frequently in summer it can be very irritating. The mere sight of blood dripping down your nose can be quite intimidating.

Nosebleeds are caused by a small blood vessel rupturing. A nosebleed can be anterior or posterior. An anterior nosebleed is the most common, with blood coming from the front of the nose. It’s caused by the rupturing of tiny blood vessels inside the nose, known as capillaries. The posterior nosebleed comes from deep inside of the nose. This kind of nosebleed is unusual in children, unless it’s related to a face or nose injury.

“In children, nasal drying is a common cause of nosebleeds. Although, the sudden trickle of blood may make an individual panic, nosebleeds are hardly a serious cause of concern,” say doctors.

Although, seldom a cause for alarm, nosebleeds can be life-threatening in some rare cases. Nosebleeds are most often caused by local trauma but can also be caused by foreign bodies, nasal or sinus infections, and prolonged inhalation of dry air.

Dr Neelam Sathe, associate professor and ENT Department Unit Head at KEM Hospital, said that in the months of summer they witness several cases of nosebleeds. The reason behind this is that the hot climate with low humidity or sudden changes in temperature, can cause drying and cracking inside the nose, which can lead to a nosebleed.

“In elderly people it can be caused due to high blood pressure. Seniors need to be more cautious of their health during summers and take care of themselves. We see such patients every year, but these instances seem to be increasing each year,” added Dr Sathe.

Dr Rahul Kulkarni, an ENT surgeon based in Kalwa, said, “The lining of your nose contains many tiny blood vessels that lie close to the surface and are easily damaged. To protect these vessels, there is a jelly like layer also known as mucus, which keeps the nose moist. Due to dry summer winds this layer dries up, causing the blood vessels to open and burst. This causes the nosebleed. Per day, I see at least one patient with this problem.” COMMON CAUSES BEHIND NOSEBLEEDS

• DRY AIR: Whether it is hot indoor air or dry climate, the most common cause of nosebleeds in children is dry air that both irritates and dehydrates nasal membranes.

• SCRATCHING OR PICKING: This is the second most common cause of nosebleeds. Irritating the nose by scratching or picking can expose blood vessels that are prone to bleeding. • TRAUMA: When a person gets a nose injury, it can start a nosebleed. Most injuries aren’t a problem, but you should seek medical attention if you’re unable to stop the bleeding after 10 minutes or you’re worried about the injury as a whole.

• COLD, ALLERGIES, OR SINUS INFECTION: Any illness that includes symptoms of nasal congestion and irritation can cause nosebleeds.

• BACTERIAL INFECTION: Bacterial infections can cause sore, red, and crusted areas on the skin just inside the nose and towards the front of the nostrils. These infections can lead to bleeding. In rare cases, frequent nosebleeds are caused by problems relating to blood clotting or abnormal blood vessels. If your child is experiencing nosebleeds that aren’t related to the causes listed above, raise your concerns with your doctor.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A NOSEBLEED OCCURS?

• The first step is to stop the bleeding:

• Sit down and pinch the soft parts of the nose firmly, breathe through the mouth.

• Apply an ice pack to the nose and cheek to soothe the area.

• Apply an ice pack on your head to help you cool down, a sudden change in temperature leads to nose bleeds

• Nosebleeds in elderly may be out of hypertension. Check their blood pressure and give them their medication.

HOW TO PREVENT NOSEBLEEDS

• Do not go out in the hot weather. Cover your head with a cap or scarf and cover the nose with a folded kerchief or cotton cloth to avoid hot air coming in.

• Keep the inside of your nose moist; apply lubricating ointment, such as petroleum jelly, inside the nose.

• To maintain moistness of the nose, you can use over the counter nose drops.

• Do not smoke, as smoking can irritate the inside of your nose and dry it out.

• Drink plenty of water and keep your body well hydrated.