Many people experience frequent nosebleeds due to the ongoing battle against dryness. While nosebleeds are often attributed to overwork or fatigue, weather conditions also play a significant role. When nosebleeds persist after something as simple as washing the face or lightly blowing the nose, dry winter air may be a factor worth considering.
Dryness is toxic
If you struggle with nosebleeds, particularly during winter, dry air might be the culprit. Dry air can chap your lips, crack your skin, and dry out the mucous membranes inside your nose. When the air entering your body isn’t properly filtered, it can damage blood vessels and membranes, impairing your nose’s function and leading to various symptoms, including bleeding.
Beware of Nasal Dryness
Nasal dryness is the sensation of dryness in the nose and can be a leading cause of frequent nosebleeds. This condition often leads to itching and discomfort, prompting frequent rubbing or picking, which can damage blood vessels and trigger bleeding. Once a nosebleed occurs, the damaged vessels and membranes become more susceptible to bleeding from even minor irritations. While nasal dryness is more common in patients with rhinitis or sinusitis, it can also affect those without any nasal conditions during dry weather.
What are the symptoms of nasal dryness?
Severe nasal dryness can lead to headaches and frequent nosebleeds, making it difficult to breathe through your nose and sometimes causing pain. You may also experience itching and an increase in nasal discharge, which can feel uncomfortable. In severe cases, blocked nasal discharge can cause bad odors, and you may find yourself breathing through your mouth more often, leading to dryness in your mouth as well.
Leaning Back is the Wrong Position
It’s commonly believed that tilting your head back can stop a nosebleed. However, this method can allow blood to flow into your airway, so keeping your head upright or leaning slightly forward is better. Use a tissue to gently pinch your nose and apply pressure with your thumb and index finger to the bleeding area for effective clotting.
Correct Clotting Method
To effectively stop a nosebleed, apply gentle pressure to the soft part of your nose just below the nasal bridge. Placing a cold compress around your nose can help reduce blood flow. The blood vessels and membranes must fully regenerate during the two weeks following a bleeding episode. Avoid behaviors that can raise blood pressure, such as heavy lifting or bending over, and refrain from forcefully blowing your nose.
Do Not Insert Tissues or Cotton Balls
While it’s fine to briefly insert a tissue or cotton ball to stop the bleeding, leaving them in for extended periods is not advisable. Contaminants on the tissue or cotton can cause infections, and removing them can damage the nasal membranes. If necessary, you can place gauze soaked in a vasoconstrictor inside your nose or use a medical sponge to apply pressure.
Seek Medical Attention if Bleeding Lasts More than 15 Minutes
Light nosebleeds usually aren’t severe. If you experience mild symptoms, you can often stop the bleeding easily. These minor nosebleeds, known as anterior nasal hemorrhages, typically occur from blood vessels in the front of the nose. If the bleeding persists, it may indicate a posterior nasal hemorrhage, commonly seen in patients with high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. In such cases, visit a hospital for procedures like cauterizing or ligating the nasal blood vessels.
Can Frequent Nosebleeds Be Treated?
When bleeding occurs from the front of the nose, doctors may use packing or electrocautery to stop it. Since locating the source of bleeding from the back can be challenging, posterior packing is often beneficial. While adults usually don’t experience significant issues with recurring nosebleeds, children and older people require careful monitoring due to the risk of hypotensive shock.
Nasal Irrigation
Our nasal passages are constantly exposed to dry air, dust, and viruses. When inflammatory secretions fill the nasal cavity, rinsing your nose can help maintain moisture and prevent nasal illnesses. Experts recommend regular nasal irrigation, even with long-term use, as it poses no significant side effects.
Applying Vaseline
Since nasal dryness occurs when the nasal passages dry out, maintaining proper humidity and temperature is crucial. To prevent cold air from entering your nose, wear a mask when going outside, and increase your fluid intake to boost hydration. Additionally, applying Vaseline with a cotton swab inside your nostrils can be very effective when inhaling.
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