Cape Town - I am constantly confronted in casualty units with the issue of nosebleeds, correctly termed epistaxis.
The experience can be an overwhelming one, and for many it precipitates anxiety or panic attacks if the bleeding doesn’t stop immediately. The loss of blood can cause significant physiological changes if not terminated promptly.
In addition, the taste of blood in the mouth contributes to both nausea and vomiting. Clots of blood obstructing the airway can lead to further problems. You need to know basic first aid principles and understand a bit about the anatomy of the nose.
What causes nosebleeds?
The causes range from obvious trauma to blood clotting problems – some people are known to have blood platelet deficiency. Medications are also implicated in nosebleeds: anti-clotting therapy and medications such as warfarin and aspirin are well-known culprits. The most common causes are related to allergic rhinitis. Elevated systemic blood pressure can also lead to epistaxis.
If your nose starts bleeding:
* Pinch the mid portion of the nose between index finger and thumb.
* Sit with your head between your legs while pinching tightly.
* Place an ice pack on the back of your neck.
* Allow clots to be passed from mouth.
* Limit coughing or sneezing.
* If the bleeding cannot be controlled within 10-15 minutes, you should go to your nearest ER.
* Persistent nosebleeds, where no obvious precipitating factor is found, deserve further investigation and shouldn’t be taken lightly as this could point to a systemic illness or even a blood cancer.
* Dr Darren Green, a trusted figure in the field of media medicine, is a University of Stellenbosch graduate who adds innovative spark to health and wellness issues.
He features on 567CapeTalk, and is a regular guest on SABC3 and the Expresso show. Dr Green works as an emergency medical practitioner at a leading Cape Town hospital and completed four years of training as a registrar in the specialisation of neurology.
If you’ve got medical problems, contact the doctor at [email protected], 021 930 0655 or Twitter @drdarrengreen. Catch him in Cape Town on 567 CapeTalk, most Fridays at 1.30pm.
The advice in this column does not replace a consultation and clinical evaluation with a doctor.
Cape Argus