Friday, May 18, 2007

Bleeding Nose or Epistaxis

BLEEDING NOSE OR EPISTAXIS

One of the most common but scary problem an individual may develop is nose bleeding or epistaxis.Most nose bleeds occur when blood vessels in the nasal passage rupture. The nose contains many tiny blood vessels that bleed easily. Air moving through the nose can dry or irritate the membrane lining the inside of the nose forming crusts which bleed when irritated by rubbing, picking, or blowing the nose. For an adult it may be a warning sign of blood pressure, but rarely a sign of nasal growth, cancer or leukemia. In children it is usually a result of nasal drying. Therefore, any bleeding from the nose if persists needs to be evaluated by the doctor.

Causes of nose bleed:

The most common cause is dryness caused by indoor heat in the winter and nose picking. The other less common causes include injuries,, allergies, cold. Children because of sticking foreign objects up the nose may lead to nose bleeding and older people may have infections, high blood pressure and blood clotting disorders or they may also be taking drugs that interfere with blood clotting. Also repeated sneezing and blowing the nose very hard can cause the nose to bleed.

Home Remedies:

Ø House packs should be applied from outside on the nose.

Ø Use juice of fresh coriander leaves as nasal drops.

Ø Drinking tulsi juice mixed with honey will help and provide extra strength to the body.

Ø Pour some vinegar on a cloth and wash the neck, nose and temples with it.

Ø Juice of flower of pomegranate can be used for deep inhalation.

Ø The patient should wash his face and head with cold water.