NOSEBLEED!

NOSEBLEED!

I had a freaking epistaxis (nose bleed) for two consecutive days…and I was right! The culprit is none other than the heating system of this building which made my nose irritated. I think my body is again acclimatizing to this winter weather again.

Here are some of the symptoms that and causes of Nosebleed.

What causes nosebleeds?

The nose is a part of the body rich in blood vessels (vascular) and is situated in a vulnerable position as it protrudes on the face. As a result, trauma to the face can cause nasal injury and bleeding. The bleeding may be profuse, or simply a minor complication. Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out and crack. This is common in dry climates, or during the winter months when the air is dry and warm from household heaters. People are more susceptible to a bloody nose if they are taking medications which prevent normal blood clotting warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory medication]. In this situation, even a minor trauma could result in significant bleeding.

The incidence of nosebleeds is higher during the colder winter months when upper respiratory infections are more frequent, and the temperature and humidity fluctuate more dramatically. In addition, changes from a bitter cold outside environment to a warm, dry, heated home results in drying and changes in the nose which will make it more susceptible to bleeding. Nosebleeds also occur in hot dry climates with low humidity, or when there is a change in the seasons. The following factors predispose people to nosebleeds:

·         Infection

·         Trauma, including self-induced by nose picking, especially in children

·         Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis

·         Hypertension (high blood pressure)

·         Use of blood thinning medications

·         Alcohol abuse

·         Less common causes include tumors and inherited bleeding problems

How do you stop the common nosebleed?

Most people who develop nose bleeding can handle the problem without the need of a physician if they follow the first aid recommendations below:

1. Pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between your thumb and index finger.
2. Press firmly toward the face - compressing the pinched parts of the nose against the bones of the face. 
3. Lean forward slightly with the head tilted forward. Leaning back or tilting the head back allows the blood to run back into your sinuses and throat and can cause gagging or inhaling the blood. 
4. Hold the nose for at least five minutes. Repeat as necessary until the nose has stopped bleeding. 
5. Sit quietly, keeping the head higher than the level of the heart. Do not lay flat or put your head between your legs.
6. Apply ice (wrapped in a towel) to nose and cheeks.

How do you prevent the nose from bleeding again?

1. Go home and rest with head elevated at 30 to 45 degrees. 
2. Do not blow your nose or put anything into it. If you have to sneeze, open your mouth so that the air will escape out the mouth and not through the nose. 
3. Do not strain during bowel movements. Use a stool softener (for example, Colace). 
4. Do not strain or bend down to lift anything heavy. 
5. Try to keep your head higher than the level of your heart. 
6. Do not smoke. 
7. Stay on a soft, cool diet. No hot liquids for at least 24 hours. 
8. Do not take any medications that will thin the blood (aspirin, ibuprofen,clopidogrel bisulfate [Plavix] or warfarin [Coumadin]). If these have been prescribed by your physician, you need to contact them regarding stopping these medications. 
9. Your doctor may recommend some form of lubricating ointment for the inside of the nose (see below). 
10. If re-bleeding occurs, try to clear the nose of clots by sniffing in forcefully. You can temporarily use a remedy such as a nasal decongestant spray, such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine. These types of sprays constrict blood vessels. (NOTE: If used for many days at a time, these can cause addiction so they are recommended for short-term usage. Also, do not use if you havehigh blood pressure.) 
11. Repeat the steps above on how to stop the common nose bleed. If bleeding persists, call the doctor and/or visit to the emergency room.

·         I wish I will not be experiencing this thing tomorrow morning.