Commonly known as nose bleed.

The nose is a part of the body rich in blood vessels (vascular) and is situated in a vulnerable position as it protrudes on the face.

As a result, trauma to the face can cause nasal injury and bleeding.

Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out and crack.

This is common in dry climates or during the winter months.

People are more susceptible to bleeding if they are taking medications which prevent normal blood clotting Coumadin, aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medication.

The incidence of nosebleeds is higher during the colder winter months when upper respiratory infections are more frequent.

Predisposition:

The following factors predispose people to nosebleeds:
– Infection
– Trauma, including self-induced by nose picking
– Alcohol abuse
– Hypertension (high blood pressure)
– Use of blood thinning medications
– Less common causes include tumors and inherited bleeding problems

Recommendations to be followed to control the bleeding of nose:
1. Pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between the thumb and index finger.
2. Press firmly toward the face – compressing the pinched parts of the nose against the bones of the face.
3. Lean forward slightly with the head tilted forward. Leaning back or tilting the head back allows the blood to run back into your sinuses and throat and can cause gagging or inhaling the blood.
4. Hold the nose for at least five minutes. Repeat as necessary until the nose has stopped bleeding.
5. Sit quietly, keeping the head higher than the level of the heart. Do not lay flat or put head between the legs.
6. Apply ice (wrapped in a towel) to nose and cheeks.

Prevention of rebleeding by:
1. Go home and rest with head elevated at 30 to 45 degrees.
2. Do not blow your nose or put anything into it. If you have to sneeze, open your mouth so that the air will escape out the mouth and not through the nose.
3. Do not strain or bend down to lift anything heavy.
4. Try to keep your head higher than the level of your heart.
5. Stay on a soft, cool diet. No hot liquids for at least 24 hours.
6. Repeat the steps of how to stop the common nose bleed. If bleeding persists, call the doctor.

Cause:
The most common cause of a nose bleeds is drying of the nasal membranes.
If you are prone to recurrent nosebleeds, it is often helpful to try lubricating the nose with an ointment.
When to seek medical care:
– If bleeding cannot be stopped or keeps occurring.
– If bleeding is rapid, or if blood loss is large.
– If you feel weak or faint, presumably from blood loss.

Diagnosis of nose bleed:
1. A thorough medical history for previous bleeding, high blood pressure, liver diseases, use of anticoagulants, nasal trauma, family history of bleeding etc. should be taken.
2. Analysis of blood coagulation parameters.
3. Measurement of the blood pressure and X-rays of the skull and sinuses maybe necessary.

Homoeopathic treatment:
1. Ammonium carbonicum:
a. Epistaxis every morning on washing face, after dinner, after repeated sneezing
b. epistaxis with dry coryza, especially at night, without the slightest air passing through;
c. when stooping blood rushes to tip of nose.
d. Hands look blue after washing in cold water and veins distended.

2. Arnica Montana:
a. Epistaxis, preceded by tingling
b. copious after every exertion, from mechanical causes; after washing face
c. nosebleed in growing children
d. discharge of several drops of thin blood from nose on first blowing it in the morning

3. Belladona:
a. Nosebleed of little children at night, with congestion to head
b. Blood flows freely, even from both nostrils, drop by drop
c. Nosebleed when in bed or on waking in the morning

Author Bio: Dr Guptha faculty for the ICD 10 training and Dr Guptha faculty for the medical billing training

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: medical, coding, billing, training,