Your Health Q&A:Gosh,some red paint in my nose!

Nose bleeds or medically termed as epistasis is an acute bleeding event from your nose, the cavity within or from the throat. It is frequently observed as emergency issues and often causes anxiety in patients and physicians. However, some nose bleeds are common are fewer concerns to be raised. The amount could be just a drop or huge amount, whatever the cause or severe the condition is, it is best to seek medical attention immediately.

What are the common causes of nose bleeds?

• any injuries to the nose area including nose pricking
• nose dryness
• mucosal irritation
• nose bone deformities
• inflammation
• tumours
• blood diseases
• arteriosclerosis
• medications such as aspirin
• unknown in certain cases

What are the treatments available in the medical setting?

• topical vasoconstriction 
• chemical cautery
• electrocautery
• nasal packing with nasal tampon or gauze impregnated with petroleum jelly
• ballon system such as modified Foley catheter 
• arterial ligation or embolization

Do medications cause epistasis?

Yes, certainly as some medications are prone to cause epistaxis or nose bleeds such as anti-inflammatory (aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen).anticoagulants(warfarin, rivaroxaban), antiplatelet agents(clopidogrel) and antiepileptic (sodium valproate)

Is that anything can I do immediately to stop the nose bleed?

Just pinch your nose with thumb and index finger . Breath through your mouth. Continue to pinch for 10-15minutes. This step helps to send pressure to the bleeding point on the nose bone and often stops the flow of blood.

When should be extremely worried on nosebleeds?

• if persist more than 20minutes
• after an injury to face
• car accident or head injury which could be a sign of internal bleeding

Which medicine will ultimately help in this condition?

Decongestant spray such as oxymetazoline but it should not be used over a long period of time. Apart from that petroleum jelly or vaseline can be used and generally safe.

Can I adapt something to avoid non-serious epistasis?

• keep the nose moist by using simple nasal saline spray or drops
• take hot shower
• drink a lot of water
• use a cold vaporizer in the bedroom
• avoid smoking
• never pick your nose harshly
• avoid frequent usage of cold and allergy medications

What are the leading serious consequences?

• sinusitis
• septal hematoma or perforation
• external nose deformity
• mucosal pressure necrosis
• vasovagal episode
• ballon migration
• aspiration

Is that true that heart disease causes nose bleeds?

Yes, heart disease accompanied by high blood pressure and congestive heart failure v=causes nose bleeds which leading to the hypertensive crisis also known as a sudden, rapid increase in blood pressure with severe headache, shortness of breath and anxiety.

How do I conclude serious vs non-serious nose bleeds?

It is termed serious if more than 4 times in a week which warrants medical evaluation but 2-3 times per month due to allergies or dryness are less serious but may seek medical attention too for further confirmation.

Can I lie down straight or any other alteration on the sleeping way?

Try not to lift or strain after a nose bleeds. Raise your head on a pillow while you sleep.

From kitchen to remedy:

• stuff the apple cider soaked cotton in the nose for 10-15minutes
• mix a teaspoon of cayenne powder in warm water and drink immediately when bleeding
• apply vaseline to moist the nose area
• drink lemon regularly
• take amla(Indian gooseberry) daily either raw or in juice form.

What may be more pronounced if not your health?

Disclaimer: The information given above is from a qualified medical doctor aim to educate public in general regarding the illness but it is advisable to seek medical attention in the event of a serious condition or for proper confirmation.