Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Önder Uysal from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology gave information about nosebleeds, which are frequently encountered in the summer months, treatment methods and precautions that can be taken.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Önder Uysal from the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat at Memorial Antalya Hospital gave information about nosebleeds, which are frequently encountered especially in summer months, treatment methods and precautions that can be taken. Underlining that nosebleeds in summer can be attributed to various factors such as dry air, thirst, allergies and exposure to excessive heat, Uysal stated that the combination of these factors can cause nosebleeds by causing the sensitive blood vessels in the nasal passages to dry out and crack. Uysal said, “Nosebleeds, which are mostly short-term and mild in severity, especially in children or the elderly, can sometimes have serious health-threatening consequences.”
“Recurrent nosebleeds should not be neglected”
Underlining that nosebleeds are not a normal and physiological condition that occurs spontaneously, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Önder Uysal said, “The underlying causes of bleeding must be investigated. Regardless of the severity and amount of nosebleeds that sometimes occur outside the nose (anterior nosebleeds), sometimes inward and towards the nasal passages (posterior nosebleeds), especially if they recur, the cause must be investigated. These can be listed as disorders related to the internal structure of the nose, traumas, infectious diseases, rhinitis, environmental factors and systemic diseases.”
“Many factors can cause nosebleeds”
Stating that nosebleeds can be caused by problems related to the nasal mucosa as well as trauma, Uysal said, “When the mucosal covering that protects the inside of the nose with the moisture it provides is damaged for any reason or when it cannot fulfill its secretory function and causes dryness; bleeding may occur in the vessels just below the mucosa, which has a thin structure. Some of the main factors that predispose to bleeding due to damage and cracking of the nasal vessels are; strong nose blowing, nose picking, nasal-facial traumas, hot weather, acute upper respiratory tract infections, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), other rhinitis (often due to age, pregnancy and environmental factors) or chronic sinusitis. On the other hand, curvatures in the nasal bone are among the underlying causes of nosebleeds.”
“There may be an increase in nosebleeds in hot weather”
Stating that extremely hot and dry weather can trigger nosebleeds, Uysal said, “Nosebleeds in summer can be annoying, but understanding their causes and implementing preventive measures can help minimize their occurrence. By drinking water, protecting the nasal passages from dry air and sun exposure, and seeking timely medical attention when necessary, individuals can effectively manage nosebleeds during the summer months. Some environmental factors such as environments with certain chemicals, dusty and polluted air can also be listed among the causes of nosebleeds. In addition to all these reasons; smoking also prepares the ground for bleeding as it disrupts the natural structure of the nasal mucosa.”
“It is more common in children and the elderly”
Stating that nosebleeds can be a harbinger of a different disease, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmail Önder Uysal said, “Nosebleeds may recur frequently, especially in hypertension patients, people taking blood thinners, bleeding-coagulation disorders, blood diseases (leukemia, etc.). With advancing age, the increase in comorbidities and decrease in nasal secretion cause nosebleeds to occur more frequently. Nosebleeds can be seen more frequently in children than in adults due to trauma, nose picking and foreign body insertion into the nose.”
What should be done
Drawing attention to what should be done first in nosebleeds, Uysal said, “Since bleeding may intensify with panic, the patient should be calmed. It should be ensured that the patient moves to a cool place. After sitting down, the head should be tilted slightly forward. The wings of the nose should be compressed with the thumb and index fingers and waited for 5-10 minutes. It may also be useful to apply cold water or ice to the face. However, if the bleeding lasts longer and/or is severe, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately. The opinion of a specialist should also be sought in recurrent nosebleeds. It is especially important to investigate the underlying cause in the presence of accompanying symptoms such as recurrent bruises and bruises on the body, bleeding from other places (eg urinary tract bleeding), intense weakness.”
