Epistaxis, also known as nosebleed, is a common condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the nose break and bleed. It can occur due to various reasons such as dry air, trauma, infections, high blood pressure, excessive nose picking, neglected foreign body in the nose (in children) and use of drugs like blood-thinners.
You can take the following steps to prevent epistaxis:
Keep the nasal passages moist: Dry air can irritate the nasal membranes and cause bleeding. Use a humidifier or saline nasal sprays to keep the nasal passages hydrated.
Avoid nose-picking: This can cause trauma to the delicate blood vessels in the nose and lead to epistaxis.
Limit the use of decongestant nasal drops: Overuse of decongestant nasal drops can cause the blood vessels in the nose to become dry and fragile, leading to epistaxis.
Manage any underlying health conditions: High blood pressure and bleeding disorders can increase the risk of epistaxis. It's important to work with your consulting physician to manage these conditions.
If you do experience epistaxis, here are some steps you can take to control the bleeding:
Pinch your nostrils: This will help to apply pressure to the blood vessels and stop the bleeding.
Lean forward: Leaning forward will prevent the blood from flowing down the back of your throat, which can cause coughing and gagging.
Apply a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the bridge of your nose can help to reduce swelling and decrease the bleeding.
In some cases, the above mentioned home remedies may be effective in stopping the bleeding. However, in more severe cases, medical interventions may be necessary to control the bleeding and prevent recurrence. Here are some medical interventions that may be used to treat epistaxis:
Cauterization: This is a procedure in which a doctor uses a heat source, such as an electrically charged wire, to burn and seal the bleeding blood vessels in the nose.
Nasal packing: This involves inserting material, such as gauze or a special sponge, into the nostril to apply pressure and stop the bleeding.
Arterial ligation: This is an endoscopic surgical procedure in which the doctor ties off the bleeding blood vessels to stop the bleeding. (Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation - ESPAL)
Medications: In some cases, medications such as topical vasoconstrictors or antifibrinolytics may be used to control the bleeding and prevent recurrence.
Radiofrequency ablation: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a special probe is used to deliver radiofrequency energy to the bleeding blood vessels in the nose, causing them to coagulate and stop bleeding.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience frequent, severe, or recurrent epistaxis. An ENT surgeon can determine the underlying cause and recommend the best course of treatment, which may include one or more of these medical interventions.
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