Nose bleeding, also known as epistaxis, is a common phenomenon during childhood. The difference between children's and adults' nosebleeds lies in the fact that the bleeding site in children is more often located in the anterior nasal cavity.
The causes of nosebleeds can be roughly divided into two types: one being the more common cause - diseases of the nose itself, and the other being systemic diseases. The most common cause of nose-related bleeding is due to dryness or erosion of the nasal mucosa. This situation often occurs when the weather is excessively dry or after eating spicy food, mutton, or beef, resulting in minor nosebleeds. Some people have the bad habit of picking their noses, while others blow their noses with excessive force; these actions can also damage the small blood vessels of the nasal mucosa, causing nosebleeds. In addition, if the nasal septum (the partition between the two nostrils) deviates significantly from the midline, is markedly curved, or has local protrusions, these protruding parts are more prone to bleeding.
Moreover, inflammation or fungal diseases within the sinuses can also trigger nosebleeds. A warning sign is that when there is an angioma inside the nose, the amount of nosebleed tends to be substantial; early-stage malignant tumors such as nasal or nasopharyngeal cancer often present with blood-streaked sputum.
Of course, some systemic diseases can also manifest as nosebleeds. For example, diseases that cause fever can lead to nosebleeds due to nasal mucosal congestion. Blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia or leukemia can result in nosebleeds due to abnormal coagulation function. Severe liver dysfunction can also cause nosebleeds due to coagulation dysfunction.
Nosebleeds can lead to strokes
Common conditions like hypertension and arteriosclerosis can cause rupture of small arteries in the nasal cavity, leading to bleeding. These factors are precisely the main causes of strokes. Among nosebleeds, those triggered by hypertension account for 10%~25%. Long-term hypertension causes the venous system of the nasal cavity to be in a state of congestion and dilation, and the nasal vessels are frequently subjected to blood pressure impact. Once there is a fluctuation in blood pressure, it is easy for the nasal veins to rupture. Nosebleeds in hypertensive patients often indicate unstable blood pressure.
Nosebleeds caused by hypertension generally occur in the morning or after physical activity. Patients may become anxious upon seeing significant bleeding, which raises their blood pressure, ultimately leading to unstoppable bleeding. The correct approach is to remain calm after a nosebleed, gently pinch the nose for five minutes, or apply cold compresses to the forehead and neck, while taking hemostatic medication. If the bleeding does not stop, it may be due to a larger vessel rupture in the posterior part of the nasal cavity, requiring immediate medical attention to avoid accidents.
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