Nosebleeds

A nosebleed, or epistaxis, can happen anytime when you’re driving, after a shower or while you’re sleeping! It is a scary feeling & lots of thoughts cross one’s mind especially if it’s a kid.

What causes nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds are usually triggered by the tiny breaks in the lining of your nose, close to the front. This is due to the fact that there are numerous small vessels that meet up in that area of your nose. The lining here is exceptionally delicate. Some of the common causes for nosebleeds are:

  1. Trauma: picking / injury to nose
  2. Dryness of lining inside the nose, especially in summers & harsh winters. This is one of the most common causes in paediatric age group.
  3. A few infections can prompt nosebleeds and patients will require antibiotics to treat the infection.
  4. Hypertension, sudden steep rise or uncontrolled BP can lead to nose bleeds in the elderly age group
  5. Bleeding disorders like HHT Hereditary haemorrhagic Telangiectasia or Osler Weber Rendu disease
  6. Benign swellings like polyps, JNA, inverted Papilloma or malignant sinus tumours

Treating the nosebleeds

  • Usually a Nasal examination with an endoscope is sufficient and helps to clinch the diagnosis. Sometimes basic blood tests need to be done to check for any bleeding disorder, infection. CT scan may be required additionally.
  • A variety of items are existing including saline (salt-water) sprays and rinses, certain decongestant sprays and different
  • First Aid at home in form of ice application, pinching nose to stop bleed should be attempted & helps for minor bleeds
  • If it does not, then packing nostril with clean piece of cloth with an ointment, will reduce bleeding by tamponade, & gives you time to reach a specialist
  • If need be, Packing can also be done with specialized self-inflating nasal sponge packs in a specialist clinic
  • Cauterization (Sealing) the bleeding point inside the nose is required to stop a troublesome or profuse. Cauterization can be a simple office procedure with a chemical or a more elaborate one using thermal energy with help of radiofrequency devices
  • This procedure can be done as an outpatient procedure, only in some instances you may require hospitalization. It is an endoscopic procedure which is done under local anaesthesia ,but for children & Patients with severe nose bleeds General anaesthesia is the choice
  • Sometimes there are more advanced procedures or surgeries to address a particular pathology causing the nose bleed has to be done

When should you consult an ENT Specialist?

 

In case you’re finding that nosebleeds are hard to stop, or they are just very repetitive, it’s a wise thought to be consulted and discover a source of the bleeding.

If you have a persistent nosebleeds lasting since days, don’t think twice and straightaway get in touch with the experts at Aahan ENT Clinic to schedule an appointment with a specialist. The experts here will analyse your current situation. They will talk to you in great detail and walk you through a personalized treatment plan so you can find relief at the earliest.

Dr. Ajay Doiphode is a Consultant ENT surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. He has graduated from the prestigious KEM Hospital & G.S. Medical College, Mumbai.

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