Nosebleeds (epistaxis) are common, and air travel can contribute to them due to the unique environmental conditions inside an aircraft.
How Flying Affects Your Nose
Airplane cabins are significantly drier, with humidity often dropping below 20%. This dry air dehydrates the delicate mucous membranes lining the nasal passages. When these membranes become dry, they can crack and are more susceptible to irritation and bleeding.
Changes in atmospheric pressure during a flight also play a role. As an aircraft ascends, cabin pressure decreases, and during descent, it increases. These rapid pressure shifts affect the tiny blood vessels in the nose, straining capillaries and increasing their fragility. This makes them more prone to rupturing, which can result in a nosebleed.
Individual Factors That Increase Risk
Certain individual factors increase the risk of nosebleeds during air travel. People taking blood-thinning medications, like warfarin or aspirin, face an increased risk as these reduce the blood’s clotting ability. Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays can also dry out nasal tissues, contributing to fragility.
Pre-existing nasal conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, or nasal polyps, can inflame the nasal lining. A history of frequent nosebleeds or recent nasal surgery also makes nasal passages vulnerable. Habits like nose picking or aggressive nose blowing can further irritate dry membranes.
Preventing Nosebleeds When Flying
Proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of nosebleeds during a flight. Maintaining good hydration is important; drinking plenty of water before and throughout your journey helps keep your body, including your mucous membranes, hydrated. Avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, both of which can contribute to dehydration, is also advisable.
Moisturizing the nasal passages directly is another effective strategy. Using a saline nasal spray or a nasal gel several times during the flight can help prevent the nasal lining from drying out and cracking. Gently applying a small amount of petroleum jelly just inside the nostrils can also create a protective barrier. Avoiding vigorous nose blowing or picking your nose minimizes physical irritation. If you are on blood thinners and experience frequent nosebleeds, discussing this with your doctor before travel might be beneficial.
What to Do If a Nosebleed Happens
If a nosebleed occurs during a flight, remaining calm and taking immediate action can help control it. First, lean slightly forward, not backward, to prevent blood from flowing down the back of your throat, which can cause nausea. Pinch the soft part of your nose just above the nostrils firmly and continuously for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, breathe through your mouth.
Applying a cold compress or an ice pack to the bridge of your nose or the back of your neck can help constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding. Avoid stuffing tissues or gauze into the nostril, as this can further irritate the delicate lining and make bleeding worse. After the bleeding stops, avoid blowing your nose or engaging in strenuous activity for several hours to allow the blood vessels to properly clot and heal.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most nosebleeds are not serious, there are specific situations where medical attention is warranted. If a nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes of continuous direct pressure, it is advisable to seek professional medical help. Similarly, if the bleeding is very heavy, or if it is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, faintness, or weakness, medical evaluation is necessary. Recurrent nosebleeds, especially without a clear identifiable cause, should also be discussed with a healthcare provider. If a nosebleed occurs after a head injury or if you are taking blood-thinning medication and experience a difficult-to-control bleed, medical consultation is important.