G.M.COMPLEX, GM Palya Main Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560075

+91 99454 88546

+91 99454 88546

Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)

Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)

Epistaxis or nosebleeds can result from various causes:

  • Dry air, particularly in dry climates or during winter months, can lead to nasal dryness and bleeding.

  • Trauma to the nose, such as picking the nose, forceful blowing, or facial injuries, can cause blood vessels to rupture.

  • Underlying conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), nasal infections, allergies, blood clotting disorders, or the use of certain medications (like blood thinners) can also contribute to nosebleeds.

Treatment for epistaxis or nosebleeds typically involves these measures:

  • Applying gentle pressure by pinching the soft part of the nose, leaning forward, and avoiding tilting the head backward to help stop the bleeding.

  • Use of nasal sprays, gauze packing, or nasal tampons by ENT Surgeon for persistent or severe nosebleeds.

  • In some cases, cauterization (sealing) of the bleeding blood vessel or nasal packing might be necessary to control the bleeding, especially for recurrent or severe nosebleeds.

Seeking medical attention is crucial if bleeding persists or is severe.

Symptoms

Nasal polyps are associated with irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses that lasts more than 12 weeks (chronic sinusitis).

However, it’s possible to have chronic sinusitis without nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps themselves are soft and lack sensation, so if they’re small, you may not be aware you have them. Multiple growths or a large polyp may block your nasal passages and sinuses.

Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps include:

  • A runny nose
  • Persistent Stuffiness
  • Postnasal Drip
  • Decreased or absent sense of smell
  • Loss of sense of taste
  • Facial pain or headache
  • Pain in your upper teeth
  • A sense of pressure over your forehead and face
  • Snoring
  • Frequent Nosebleeds

Risk Factors

Any condition that triggers long-term irritation and swelling (inflammation) in your nasal passages or sinuses, such as infections or allergies, may increase your risk of developing nasal polyps.

Conditions often associated with nasal polyps include:

  • Asthma, a disease that causes the airway to swell (inflame) and narrow
  • Aspirin sensitivity
  • Allergic fungal sinusitis, an allergy to airborne fungi
  • Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that results in abnormally thick, sticky fluids in the body, including thick mucus from nasal and sinus linings
  • Churg-Strauss syndrome (eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis), a rare disease that causes the inflammation of blood vessels
  • Vitamin D deficiency, which occurs when your body doesn’t have enough vitamin D

Your family history also may play a role. There’s some evidence that certain genetic variations associated with immune system function make you more likely to develop nasal polyps.

Nasal polyps can cause complications because they block normal airflow and fluid drainage, and also because of the long-term irritation and swelling (inflammation) underlying their development.

Potential complications include:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea: This is a potentially serious condition in which you stop and start breathing frequently during sleep.
  • Asthma Flare-Ups: Chronic sinusitis can worsen asthma.
  • Sinus Infections: Nasal polyps can make you more susceptible to sinus infections that recur often.