Nose Bleeds (Epistaxis)

Question:
Have you ever wondered why you get nosebleeds?
As in, how do they come about or why they happen at different times?

Well, sad little me decided to find out one day and I researched about it. I've been getting them pretty recently, every few days or so, and although I had already found out why exactly noses bleed, I forgot the proper answer. But hey, I actually think i'm not THAT sad, right? It's little curiosities like these that make you learn... When you're curious, ask questions, or make mistakes - you learn. And plus, whenever someone asks me about just why nose bleeds occur, (which has happened to me before, I promise!) I can dish out my nifty answer lodged in my brain and give them the answer. Satisfaction with answering the question or what!

Answer:
(Taken from http://www.medicinenet.com/nosebleed/article.htm by John P. Cunha, DO)

Why do people get nosebleeds?

The nose is a part of the body rich in blood vessels (vascular) and is situated in a vulnerable position as it protrudes on the face. As a result, trauma to the face can cause nasal injury and bleeding. The bleeding may be profuse, or simply a minor complication. Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out and crack. This is common in dry climates, or during the winter months when the air is dry and warm from household heaters. People are more susceptible to bleeding if they are taking medications which prevent normal blood clotting [warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory medication]. In this situation, even a minor trauma could result in significant bleeding.

The incidence of nosebleeds is higher during the colder winter months when upper respiratory infections are more frequent, and the temperature and humidity fluctuate more dramatically. In addition, changes from a bitter cold outside environment to a warm, dry, heated home results in drying and changes in the nose which will make it more susceptible to bleeding. Nosebleeds also occur in hot dry climates with low humidity, or when there is a change in the seasons.

The following factors predispose people to nosebleeds:

•Infection
•Trauma, including self-induced by nose picking
•Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
•Hypertension (high blood pressure)
•Use of blood thinning medications
•Alcohol abuse
•Less common causes include tumors and inherited bleeding problems

But of course I won't just leave you as to why this happens, but also the how to stop the nose bleed part. (: Because the world would be a much better place if there were less nose bleeds!

1. Pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between your thumb and index finger.

2. Press firmly toward the face - compressing the pinched parts of the nose against the bones of the face.

3. Lean forward slightly with the head tilted forward. Leaning back or tilting the head back allows the blood to run back into your sinuses and throat and can cause gagging or inhaling the blood. Eeegh that's pretty scary!

4. Hold the nose for at least five minutes. Repeat as necessary until the nose has stopped bleeding.

5. Sit quietly, keeping the head higher than the level of the heart. Do not lay flat or put your head between your legs. Why would one put their head between their legs anyway? =/

6. Apply ice (wrapped in a towel) to nose and cheeks. And get a nice, soothing, skin-tightening as well!

Dang - all that to stop your nose from oozing red snot. I hope this helps though! It's summer time and because we're also in the tropics it's hot hot hot. So try not to break your nasal membranes too much, okay? (;