Epistaxis

Epistaxis is also called acute hemorrhage or nose bleed. It is a medical condition in which bleeding occurs from the nasal cavity of nostrils. This is a sign of increase in the body’s heat and is also caused due to increased blood pressure and some other systemic disorders. People usually suffer from this condition in the summers.
Most nosebleeds are benign, self-limiting and spontaneous. Bleeding from the nose usually occurs when the membranes lining the inner nose are disturbed or irritated and cause abnormal bleeding.
Bleeding from the nose is a common complaint presenting an emergency. Epistaxis is often a frightening sight and can be due to some heart diseases, pregnancy, bleeding disorders and acute general conditions like typhoid, pneumonia, malaria, dengue fever, measles, etc.

What are the Sign and Symptoms of Epistaxis?

The signs & symptoms of Epistaxis are:
  • Injury or trauma to the nasal area
  • Insertion of sharp objects into the nose
  • Consumption of alcohol, spicy and hot food
  • Prolonged exposure to excessive dry heat
  • Sinus infection in the nasal cavity
  • Due to any nasal surgery
  • Sticking of foreign particles in the nose
  • Excessive sneezing
  • Repeated blowing of the nose in a vigorous manner
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Vascular formation in the nose
  • Tumors or polyps in the nose
  • Due to high blood pressure
  • Exposure to irritants like ammonia
  • Due to suffering from a common cold
  • Due to overuse of nasal sprays
  • A sudden change in altitude may also cause bleeding from the nose.
Bleeding usually starts from one nostril. In Some cases, heavy bleeding fills up both the nostrils and overflows the nasopharynx. Sometimes, blood may drip back from the nose through the throat to stomach. A person is likely to have vomit in such a condition. Other symptoms include –
  • Bleeding from the nose
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness in the body
  • Bleeding from other parts like, teeth, gums, etc that indicate the inability of blood to clot
  • Confusion
  • Fainting
  • Sometimes bleeding occurs from the other parts of the body such as in the urine or bowel movements or easy bruising also indicates an inability of the blood to clot.

What are the Causes of Epistaxis?

The main causes include: Structural or anatomical deformities such as hereditary hemorrhage. Nasal sprays and prolonged usage of nasal steroids.   Conditions like vitamins C and vitamins K deficiencies, some rare condition of pregnancy due to hypertension, hormonal imbalance, allergic rhinitis, cocaine, infectious disease or high blood pressure leads to epistaxis.
Source: Epistaxis