Nosebleeds - Natural Remedies
Nosebleeds, also known as nasal hemorrhages, and medically as epistaxis, is a common condition that can appear at the worst times, according to studies carried out by the Ochsner Clinic Foundation. The bleeding might a source of much alarm but it’s rarely a symptom of anything serious.
Instead, it’s usually the result of an injury, nasal allergies or other problems that affect the blood vessels lining the nose. While it’s neither painful nor there are other discomforts, there are a few natural remedies to stop them.
What are some of the common causes of nosebleeds?
Nasal hemorrhages can appear when the mucous membrane of the nose dries and hardens, and it leads to cracking. This same condition is really common in those taking blood thinners and the elderly, whose blood takes longer to clot. It’s also a common side effect among those patients who consume anticoagulant medications.
Other common causes of nosebleeds are:
- Rhinosinusitis, according to this study carried out by Hospital Clínico Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- the forceful blowing of the nose
- blows to the nose
- allergies, according to this research conducted by the University of Oxford, which offers the alternative treatment of a saline solution
- high altitudes, as per this study by the Command Hospital in Kolkata, India assures.
- drug use, according to this research carried out by the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile.
- Hypertension, as per this study conducted by the Hospital Clínico Martín Chang Puga in Camagüey, Cuba.
See also: Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Remedies for stopping nosebleeds
One of the first things you should do while dealing with a nosebleed is to sit upright and lean forward. An upright position reduces vascular pressure while bending forward keeps the blood from flowing down your throat.
If the blood doesn’t stop, then you must see a doctor as soon as possible. Keeping the above in mind, you must also resort to some natural remedies. Here are some:
- Saltwater: Make a saline solution by mixing a pinch of salt in a glass of water, then inject it into the nasal cavity with the help of a syringe.
- Vinegar: Another good solution involves soaking a piece of sterile gauze in vinegar, which you then place in the nose for 10 minutes. This is particularly effective in cases where there’s a parasitic infection in the area, according to this study conducted by the Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.
- Cold cloth: Place a cold cloth on the end of the nose. This remedy will contract the blood vessels and stop the blood flow.
- Ice: Applying ice is also an effective way to stop the bleeding according to this information provided by the Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria. Simply apply ice to the nose for a few minutes.
- Blow your nose: Gently blow your nose to expel any blood clots that may be hindering normal flow.
See more: 8 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Tips to prevent nosebleeds
Indeed nosebleeds are due to many reasons. Despite this, there are some preventive measures that can help minimize the risk of their reoccurrence. If you have them often, then consider the following:
- Increase your water consumption to avoid dehydration. The nostrils lose lubrication and can crack in dehydrated organisms. Thus, hydration is very important to keep us healthy, according to what studies say about it.
- Avoid excessive exposure to air conditioning. Air conditioners dry the natural air and make nosebleeds more likely, according to this data offered by the Manual of Otolaryngology of Salvat.
- In case of sinusitis, cold or conditions that affect the nose rub the inside of the nose with a little petroleum jelly or, as per the above manual, spray it with a saline solution to keep the nasal passages moist.
- Increase your vitamin C consumption, as is vital for strengthening the capillary walls caused by toxins. Or, after undergoing surgery, according to this research.
When to seek medical attention
Nosebleeds are rarely a sign of something wrong. However, it’s important to consult your doctor to dismiss any major health problems, like leukemia or a blood disorder if they occur frequently and without explanation.
You must seek immediate medical attention if the bleeding lasts for 20 or more minutes; if there’s a lot of blood loss, or if you received a blow or an injury.
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