Nosebleeds, medically known as epistaxis, are a common, unsettling occurrence, especially when coinciding with warmer temperatures. While alarming, most nosebleeds are not serious and resolve with simple care. Understanding the link between heat and nasal bleeding can demystify this.
How Heat Affects Nasal Blood Vessels
The nose contains a rich network of delicate blood vessels, particularly in an area called Kiesselbach’s plexus in the front septum. These vessels sit very close to the surface of the nasal lining, which helps warm and humidify the air we breathe. When the body is exposed to heat, from hot weather, vigorous exercise, or fever, a process called vasodilation occurs.
Vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels, increases blood flow. This response dissipates excess heat, but also circulates more blood through fragile nasal capillaries. Increased pressure and expanded size make these superficial vessels prone to rupture and bleeding. This, combined with the delicate nasal lining, creates a susceptible environment for nosebleeds.
Other Factors That Increase Bleeding Risk
While heat can trigger nosebleeds, several other factors can increase their likelihood or severity. Dry air is a common culprit, as it dries out nasal membranes, making them crusty, cracked, and susceptible to bleeding. This is exacerbated in heated indoor environments or hot, low-humidity climates. Dehydration, common in hot conditions, also makes nasal membranes drier and less flexible.
Other factors can elevate the risk. Nose picking or blowing the nose too forcefully can directly injure the delicate nasal lining and trigger a bleed. Allergies and upper respiratory infections can inflame and irritate nasal passages, making them more vulnerable. Additionally, some medications, such as blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin), and certain decongestant nasal sprays, reduce clotting or dry out nasal membranes, increasing bleeding risk. Structural issues like a deviated septum can also contribute to dryness and increased bleeding in one nostril.
What to Do During a Nosebleed and How to Prevent Them
If a nosebleed occurs, remain calm and sit upright, leaning slightly forward to prevent blood from flowing down the throat. Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for 10 to 15 minutes, breathing through your mouth. This pressure helps seal bleeding vessels. Applying a cold compress to the bridge of the nose may also help. After the bleeding stops, avoid picking or blowing your nose forcefully for several hours.
Preventing nosebleeds in warm or dry conditions involves maintaining nasal moisture. Using a saline nasal spray or drops two to three times daily hydrates nasal passages. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment inside the nostrils with a cotton swab is also beneficial. Using a humidifier in bedrooms adds moisture to the air, preventing nasal dryness. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids also keeps nasal membranes moist.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most nosebleeds are not serious, some situations warrant medical attention. Seek emergency care if the bleeding does not stop after 15 to 20 minutes of continuous direct pressure. Heavy blood loss, defined as more than a cup, or difficulty breathing during a nosebleed requires immediate medical evaluation. If a nosebleed occurs after a head injury or significant trauma, medical assessment is necessary.
Frequent or recurring nosebleeds, even if they stop easily, warrant a healthcare provider visit to determine the cause. Individuals on blood-thinning medications or with bleeding/clotting disorders should consult their doctor for persistent nosebleeds. A medical professional can assess and recommend treatment or further investigation.