We all have nosebleeds at some time. Epistaxis, as it is medically called, is not a situation you should be concerned about. But if it happens many times, it is advisable to make an appointment with your doctor. Dr. Ferrán L. Tognetta, from the DKV Seguros General Directorate of Health explains why it happens and when it could be due to something serious.
Fine and delicate veins that protect us
In the nose we have a system of very small veins capable of heating and moistening the air we breathe in and thus ensuring that it passes already hot and humid through the pharynx, vocal cords, trachea and bronchi, before reaching the lung.
This system protects the alveoli and bronchi from cold and dryness. And is that if you breathe through your mouth, the air can get cold in winter or dry in summer. The larynx, bronchial tubes and lungs suffer and pharyngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia occur. In a world with heating and air conditioning this system may not be so relevant, but in natural life it has been essential to ensure survival in cold or dry climates.
Nosebleeds are common because all these blood vessels can bleed easily. However, there are some cases that can be worrying and hide a serious health problem.
Why is my nose bleeding?
There are several causes that can cause bleeding:
1. Injuries to the fine veins of the nose
It can happen for different situations, in general, mild:
- Scratching injuries
- Hits
- Wounds
- Introduction of foreign bodies
- Hair removal injuries
- Traumatic hair pulling from inside the nose
- Sneezing
- Broken veins from a cold
2. Age or genetics
These venules can also bleed due to degenerative disorders of the wall of the vein itself caused by old age or by the physical constitution of the individual. There are people who have these more fragile 'veins'
3. Blood problems
On some occasions, bleeding can be triggered because the coagulation systems (those that prevent the blood from being too liquid and prevent bleeding) do not work well and with minimal injury to the veins, bleeding begins that does not stop. This can happen by:
- A platelet disorder
- Formation of an anti-hemorrhagic thrombus
4. By some drugs
People who take medicine to thin the blood may bleed more easily and bleeds are harder to stop.
What should we do when someone or we bleed from the nose?
- Stay calm . The sight of red blood coming out of the nose creates a lot of stress. But you should keep in mind that, in principle, a nosebleed is not a medical emergency.
- Put the stopwatch and immobilize the area. If the blood clotting systems are working properly, five minutes is the time it takes for the platelets and the clot to form and plug the bleeding. Therefore, press your finger on the wing of the nose on the bleeding side for ten minutes. If the area is moved by removing and applying compression, the platelet plug will not form and the bleeding will persist.
- Head straight or forward. Although we have all seen it on occasion, it is a mistake to throw our head back, since it could swallow blood and cause gastric discomfort, nausea and, after a few days, black stools.
- Go to a medical center. If the bleeding continues after several attempts, consider seeking professional help so that hemostasis procedures (stopping the bleeding) can be performed.
When to worry?
As we said, a priori you should not worry. But there are situations that, at least, should alert you that something is wrong.
- On the fourth successful attempt, the bleeding does not subside . It may be that you need to stop the bleeding two or three times. But if on the fourth, the bleeding continues, you have to go to a doctor to see what happens.
- You've taken a hit . In this case, and especially if the nosebleed is accompanied by other symptoms such as confusion, loss of vision, loss of consciousness or a fractured nasal septum, urgent attention is needed.
- You see some spots on the legs. The appearance of very small bleeding in the legs can be a symptom of a blood clotting problem and you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
- It is repeated very frequently . If it is something common, that is, if it happens to you since childhood, it is most likely that it is something constitutional. But if it happens for a short time, make an appointment for a health checkup.
