Nosebleeds can occur for many reasons. Picking or blowing your nose too hard is one of the primary and most harmless causes, but other factors like high blood pressure, certain medications, or even injuries can also trigger nosebleeds. Sometimes, cold temperatures in winter can also lead to frequent nosebleeds, according to Dr Abhinit Kumar, Senior Consultant and HOD, ENT, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, the doctor explained why and shared ways to prevent it.
Frequent Nosebleeds During Winter
According to a study published in the European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are the most frequent ear, nose, and throat-related emergency symptom.
The researchers involved in the study investigated a surprising trend, which found that more people search for information about nosebleeds online during the winter months, regardless of where they live.
Using Google Trends data from seven countries, researchers saw a clear seasonal pattern with peaks in winter for "epistaxis" searches. While the reason for this link remains unclear, it suggests winter conditions may trigger nosebleeds more frequently, prompting people to seek online information.
Also Read: Decoding Nosebleeding: Doctor Explains Health Impactions And Its Prevention
It is important to note that nosebleeds can occur at any time of the year. However, the winter season tends to exacerbate this problem for some individuals due to the dry winter air, said Dr Kumar.
He explained, “The winter air is inherently dry due to lower humidity levels, both indoors and outdoors. Cold air can't hold as much moisture as warm air, leading to the drying out of the nasal passages. The delicate blood vessels in the nose, also known as capillaries, become more prone to breaking when the nasal membranes are dry and irritated. This is a common cause of winter-induced nosebleeds.”
Signs To Seek Medical Attention
“While occasional nosebleeds are generally common and not cause for major concern, frequent or prolonged bleeding may indicate an underlying issue,” warned Dr Kumar.
According to him, if nosebleeds persist for more than 20 minutes, occur regularly, or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, or persistent headaches, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
Preventive Measures
Here are some ways to prevent winter-induced nosebleeds:
Humidify the air
Investing in a humidifier for your home can add moisture to the dry winter air, helping to prevent nasal dryness. Aim to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent for optimal comfort.
Stay hydrated
Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for maintaining the moisture levels in your body, including your nasal passages.
Nasal-saline sprays
To prevent nosebleeds, it is important to keep the nasal passages moist. Nasal saline sprays can help with that. They are available over-the-counter and can be used multiple times a day to prevent dryness and reduce the likelihood of nosebleeds.
Also Read: Why Is Saline Nasal Washing A Must Today?
Apply nasal moisturising ointments
You can also moisturise your nasal passage with ointments. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or saline-based nasal ointment inside your nostrils to keep the nasal membranes moist. This can provide a protective barrier against the dry winter air.
Avoid nose-picking
Nose-picking is one of the most common causes of nosebleeds. Avoid forceful cleaning of nose or nose-picking, as they can cause further irritation and damage to the blood vessels in the nasal passages. To clean your nose, use a saline solution or a gentle tissue.
Conclusion
Nosebleeds can be alarming, and understanding the reasons behind them is crucial. If it is a result of forceful nose-picking or due to the dry winter air, it can be easily prevented. It is important to know when to seek medical attention and to adopt habits that help maintain nasal moisture. Particularly during the winter months, it is integral to take care of your nasal health due to the spike in respiratory infections like colds and flu. These illnesses inflame your nasal passages, leading to congestion, a runny nose, and postnasal drip.