Secret to healthy blood vessels: How to stop nosebleeds forever
Nosebleeds can be stopped (photo: Freepik)
Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are the discharge of blood from the nasal mucosa. Inside the nasal passages, there is a large number of tiny blood vessels that warm and humidify the air we breathe. Since the capillaries are very close to the surface, they are easily injured.
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What you need to know about nosebleeds
Statistics show that about 60% of people experience a nosebleed at least once in their lifetime. It most often occurs due to dry air and irritation of the mucosa.
Despite their alarming appearance, in most cases, nosebleeds are not dangerous and stop quickly. However, in cases of heavy bleeding or symptoms such as vomiting or difficulty breathing, it is necessary to seek medical help immediately.
Types of nosebleeds
Doctors distinguish two main types:
Anterior nosebleeds occur in the front part of the nasal septum. Fragile capillaries are located here, which are easily damaged. This is the most common and usually the least dangerous type, which can often be stopped at home.
Posterior nosebleeds are associated with large vessels in the back of the nose, closer to the throat. Blood may flow down the back of the throat, causing nausea. This condition often requires urgent medical attention.
Main causes of nosebleeds
The most common cause is dry air. It dries out the nasal mucosa, causing cracks and scabs. In this state, even strong blowing or rubbing can cause bleeding.
Other causes include:
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Insertion of foreign objects into the nose
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Trauma to the nose or face
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Deviated nasal septum
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Upper respiratory infections
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Allergic or non-allergic rhinitis
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Frequent use of nasal sprays
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Use of blood-thinning medications
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Inhalation of chemicals or strong odors
Less often, bleeding may be caused by high blood pressure, clotting disorders, atherosclerosis, nasal polyps or tumors, and pregnancy.
Who is at risk
Nosebleeds can happen to anyone, but they are more common in:
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Children aged 2 to 10
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Adults aged 45–80
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Pregnant women
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People taking blood-thinning medications or those with clotting disorders
When to see a doctor
Most nosebleeds are not dangerous, but medical consultation is necessary if they occur frequently or are accompanied by weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, or pale skin.
Call an ambulance immediately if:
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Bleeding does not stop within 15–20 minutes
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Blood loss is significant
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There are difficulties breathing
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Bleeding started after a head injury
How to stop a nosebleed at home
Doctors recommend the following:
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Stay calm and breathe through your mouth.
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Sit upright, slightly leaning your head forward.
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Pinch the soft part of the nose with your fingers for 10 minutes.
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Wait for the bleeding to stop.
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Afterward, drink plenty of fluids — water or caffeine-free drinks.
Prevention of nosebleeds
To reduce the risk of recurrent nosebleeds, specialists recommend:
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Using saline sprays to moisturize the mucosa
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Using a humidifier during the heating season
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Avoid blowing the nose too hard
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Sneeze with an open mouth
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Avoid inserting foreign objects into the nose
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Carefully use nasal sprays and medications that affect blood clotting
It is also important to quit smoking, as it dries out the nasal mucosa. For children, prevention includes the habit of not touching the nose with fingers and regularly trimming nails.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.