Similia Homoeo LaboratoryBlog Post

Nosebleeds 101: everything you need to know about epistaxis:

  There is nothing alarming than finding your nose bleed all of a sudden. We automatically panic and try to google it out which does nothing to soothe us. Don't worry we have got you covered. In this blog we can discuss everything you need to know about nosebleeds and the best remedies to cure it. Let us dive in!!

Bleeding from the inside of the nose is called epistaxis. There is a rich supply of blood to the nasal mucosa by the arteries. Rupture of blood vessels of the nasal mucosa leads to nose bleeding. There are various causes of epistaxis. Amongst the major causes are trauma, nose picking, dryness of nasal membranes, inflammation resulting from chronic sinusitis or chronic rhinitis, and hypertension. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemophilia, leukemia, and use of anticoagulant medicines are some other causes of epistaxis. Homeopathic treatment for epistaxis is very effective.

What Causes Epistaxis?

The major factors which causes nosebleed or epistaxsis are

1. Bursting of blood vessels within the nose.This may be spontaneous or caused by trauma.
2. Blunt trauma (usually a sharp blow to face such as a punch, or fall on nose).
3. Foriegn bodies or picking of nose.
4. Respiratory tract infections like chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, or certain environmental irritants.
5. Rise in blood pressure: Hypertension.
6. Nasal sprays or prolonged use of nasal steriods.
7. Structural or anatomical deformities.
8. Exposure to warm dry air for prolonged period of time.
9. Deficiency of vitamins
10. Blood dyscrasias and various other systemic causes.
11. Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out and crack. This is common in dry climates, or during the winter months when the air is dry and warm from household heaters.
12. Drying of the nasal membranes and nose picking (digital trauma)
13. Trauma to the face can cause nasal injury and bleeding. The bleeding may be profuse, or simply a minor complication
14. The incidence of nosebleeds is higher during the colder winter months when upper respiratory infections are more frequent.
15. Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
16. Alcohol abuse

Less common causes include 

• tumors and inherited bleeding problems
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy may increase the risk of nosebleeds.
• Acute and chronic sinusitis
• Some Chemical irritants also cause epistaxis
• Deviated nasal septum
• Nasal sprays, such as those used to treat allergies, if used frequently.

Types of epistaxis:

There are two types of epistaxis.

An anterior epistaxis is the most common and most easily treatable.

 An anterior nosebleed starts in the front of your nose on the lower part of the wall that separates the two sides of your nose (septum). Capillaries and small blood vessels in this front area of your nose are fragile and can easily break and bleed. This is the most common type of epistaxis and usually isn’t serious. These nosebleeds are more common in children. You can usually treat these nosebleeds at home.

A posterior epistaxis is less common and more serious, generally requiring emergency treatment.

A posterior nosebleed occurs deep inside your nose. A bleed in larger blood vessels in the back part of your nose near your throat causes this type. It can result in heavy bleeding, which may flow down the back of your throat. You may need medical attention right away for this type of nosebleed. This type is more common in adults.

SYMPTOMS OF EPISTAXSIS

Most often, you won’t have any symptoms other than blood coming from your nose. If you have a posterior nosebleed, some blood may drain down the back of your throat into your stomach. This can cause a bad taste in the back of your throat and make you feel nauseated.

During a nose bleed, blood will flow from one or both the nostril. It may last anywhere from few seconds to more than 5-10 mins.

If bleeding is heavy enough the blood can fill up the affected nostril and flow into the nasopharynx.

Excessive blood loss from nosebleeds does not often occur.

If in case there is excessive blood loss it may cause dizziness, fainting, confusion, loss of alertness.

Additional bleeding from other parts of the body such as bleeding gums while brushing teeth, blood in urine/ bowel moments/ easy bruising indicate inability of blood to clot

Blood oozing from the nostrils usually originates in the anterior nose and is bright red. Blood from the back of the throat originates in the posterior area and may be dark or bright red.

Nose bleed is generally unilateral, except when it’s due to dyscresia or severe trauma. In severe cases of nosebleed, blood may seep behind the nasal septum; it may also appear in the middle ear and in the corners of the eyes. Associated clinical effects depend upon on the severity of bleeding. Moderate blood loss may produce light-headedness, dizziness, and slight respiratory difficulty, severe hemorrhage cause hypotension, rapid and bounding pulse, dyspnoea, and pallor.

How to diagnose epistaxis? And when to seek medical help:

Diagnosing epistaxis and its root cause begins with taking a thorough personal and family medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination. This includes looking up the nose with a special lighted instrument called a rhino scope. Taking a blood pressure reading and a series of blood pressure readings can reveal if hypertension is present, possibly causing or contributing to epistaxis. Depending on the suspected cause, tests can include , drug testing, blood tests, allergy skin testing, and imaging tests, such as X-ray, CT scan, nuclear scans, and MRI. A diagnosis of epistaxis and its cause can easily be delayed or missed because epistaxis may be mild or intermittent and for other reasons. For information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of epistaxis.

Healing from within: homeopathy for epistaxis:

Homeopathic medicines are highly beneficial in treatment of recurrent tendency of Epistaxsis. Homeopathic medicines are selected based on detailed case analysis and individualised approach in each case. Homeopathic medicines helps to treat the underlying cause leading to nose-bleed. They help to reduce bleeding tendency by strengthening the nasal mucus membrane.

Homeopathy is highly beneficial in removing the constant tendency of epistaxis in a person. For a complete cure, medicines aim at correcting the underlying cause that is leading to the nose bleed.

Nature's cure: remedies from Similia India for epistaxis:

When it comes to homeopathic remedies for any ailments, Similia homeo laboratory is one of the best resourceful abode. 

Similia homeo laboratory's manufacturing unit and quality control lab is one of the best in India. When one's priority is obtaining remedies with maximum efficacy from a trusted source that's where Similia India's remedies stands out as the best option for homeopathic remedies

Similia homeo laboratory uses best quality herbs imported from reputed sources for making its medicines. Strict and stringent protocols are followed during every step of medicine manufacture to ensure the quality and effectiveness.

Top grade medicines from Similia homeo laboratory for the treatment for epistaxis are Hamamelis, Phosphorus, Arnica, Millifolium, and Carbo Veg.

1. Hamamelis – Top Medicine for Epistaxis

Hamamelis is a very good anti hemorrhagic medicine for epistaxis. It works well for bleeding from various orifices of the body, including nasal bleeding. Hamamelis offers a lot of help in epistaxis when the blood is dark and incoagulable. Along with nasal bleeding, there is a soreness in the nose. There is a feeling of pressure and tightness at the root of the nose. Patients in need of Hamamelis also show extreme exhaustion and weakness along with nasal bleeding.

2. Phosphorus – For Epistaxis with Bright Red Blood

Phosphorus is among the best medicines to control bleeding from various body parts. It is an equally effective anti hemorrhagic remedy as Hamamelis. Phosphorus is prescribed for bright red nasal bleeding. Phosphorus helps in reducing the tendency towards recurrent epistaxis episodes. In cases of bleeding from nasal polyps, Phosphorus is often used because of its ability to help the patient recover completely. Phosphorus works well in cases of nasal bleeding from chronic nasal catarrh.

3. Crocus Sativus – For Dark or Black, Stringy Blood

Crocus Sativus is another very effective medicine for epistaxis with dark or black, stringy nasal bleeding. Crocus Sativus works well in epistaxis where the nasal blood is dark or black with viscid strings that hang down the nose in the form of thread or rope. Along with nasal bleeding, there is extreme physical weakness and weariness. Patients requiring Crocus Sativus may also faint. Epistaxis episodes appearing in summer or hot weather are treated successfully with Crocus Sativus. It helps to control acute nasal bleeding as well a person’s tendency to have recurrent epistaxis spells experienced in hot weather.

4. Arnica – For Epistaxis Following an Injury or Blow to the Nose

Arnica is a highly reliable and efficient treatment for epistaxis caused by an injury. Arnica, also known as Leopard’s Bane, is a natural medicine for cases of injury. It is an anti-trauma remedy found in the first-aid kits of all homeopaths. In epistaxis from injury, a fall or a blow to the nose, Arnica must be given without hesitation as it is a highly competent hemorrhage controlling medicine. It can be repeated frequently at short intervals. Arnica works well when there is a sore and bruised feeling in the nose. Apart from epistaxis due to injury, Arnica is also recommended for nasal bleeding during typhoid fever.

5. Carbo Veg – For Epistaxis that Appears on a Regular Basis

Carbo Veg is an ideal treatment for epistaxis for patients suffering from frequent episodes of nasal bleeding. Due to blood loss, the face of the patient appears pale. The body is cold and sweaty. Other symptoms include low vitality and exhaustion, and sometimes the patient may even collapse due to excessive blood loss. The patient feels better when in cold air. Carbo Veg helps put a check on frequent epistaxis attacks and also contributes to regaining vitality and energy levels lost due to daily nasal bleeding.

6. Meliliotus – For Congestive Headaches Relieved by Nasal Bleeding

Whenever nasal bleeding brings relief from congestive headaches, Melilotus is the most appropriate homeopathic prescription. Individuals requiring Melilotus suffer from violent, throbbing, congestive headaches. Along with a headache, there is a redness and flushing of the face. When nasal bleeding appears, the headache and flushing of the face vanish. In such cases, there is a lot of bright red blood.

7. Lachesis – For Epistaxis with Black and Thick Blood

Lachesis is a significant anti hemorrhagic remedy used for treating various bleeding tendencies. Lachesis works well for epistaxis in cases where there is a discharge of black, thick blood from the nose. The blood may also be offensive. Some patients may also complain of acridity in the blood which irritates and corrodes the lips and nostrils.

Other Important Medicines

1. For Epistaxis with Bright, Red Blood

Among the most suitable treatment for epistaxis of bright red blood are Phosphorus, Ipecac, and Millifolium. Phosphorus works well for bright red nasal bleeding either from nasal polyps, chronic nasal catarrh or otherwise. Ipecac is useful for profuse, bright red nasal bleeding when accompanied by nausea. Millifolium is excellent for painless, profuse bright red nasal bleeding.

2. For Epistaxis with Dark Blood

Lachesis and Hamamelis are the most prominent remedies for epistaxis with dark blood. Lachesis works well in cases of dark, black and thick nasal bleeding. The blood may also be acrid and offensive. Hamamelis is selected when nasal blood is dark, accompanied by tightness on the bridge of the nose. In such cases, there may also be extreme exhaustion from nasal bleeding.

3. For Epistaxis with Clotted Blood

For dealing with epistaxis with clotted blood, medicines Crocus Sativus and China are the best choices. Crocus Sativus works well when nasal bleeding is tenacious, clotted and stringy. It may hang down from the nose in the form of threads. China works well when the person loses vitality due to excessive nasal bleeding. The person seems completely exhausted, debilitated, and may even faint with epistaxis.

4. For Epistaxis from Trauma

Homeopathic medicines Arnica and Hamamelis are the best homeopathic remedies to deal with epistaxis caused by trauma. These medicines give great results when controlling nasal bleeding from injury, trauma or a blow to the nose. They can be used alternatively for best results.

5. For Epistaxis with Anemia

Ferrum Met and China are the most appropriate medicines for epistaxis with anemia. Ferrum Met is a highly suitable medicine for controlling hemorrhages in anemic patients. Ferrum Met works well when nasal blood is bright red. In such cases, along with epistaxis, symptoms of anemia are also present. Homeopathic medicine China is equally effective as Ferrum Met and is prescribed when epistaxis appears with anemia and a noticeable loss of body strength. Extreme exhaustion, weakness, and debility are also present.

6. For Epistaxis from Dry Nasal Crusts

Ammonium Carb and Kali Bichrome are useful medicines for epistaxis from nasal crusts. Patients requiring these medicines have nasal bleeding because of the peeling of nasal crusts that get formed due to dry nasal catarrh. These medicines have to be used for some time for complete recovery.

Quick fixes for epistaxis: try these natural remedies:

1. Sit upright and lean your body and your head slightly forward. This will keep the blood from running down your throat, which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. (Don’t lay flat or put your head between your legs.)
2. Breathe through your mouth.
3. Use a tissue or damp washcloth to catch the blood.
4. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch together the soft part of your nose. Make sure to pinch the soft part of the nose against the hard bony ridge that forms the bridge of your nose. Squeezing at or above the bony part of your nose won’t put pressure where it can help stop the bleeding.
5. Keep pinching your nose continuously for at least five minutes before checking if the bleeding has stopped. If your nose is still bleeding, continue squeezing your nose for another 10 minutes.
6. If you’d like, apply an ice pack to the bridge of your nose to further help narrow blood vessels (which will slow the bleeding) and provide comfort. This isn’t a necessary step, but you can try it.
7. You can spray an over-the-counter decongestant spray, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin®, Dristan®, Neo-Synephrine® or Vicks Sinex®) into the bleeding side of your nose and then apply pressure to your nose. You shouldn’t use these topical decongestant sprays over a long period. Doing so can cause an increase in the chance of a nosebleed.
8. After the bleeding stops, don’t bend over, strain and/or lift anything heavy. Don’t blow or rub your nose for several days.

HOW TO PREVENT NOSE BLEED

• Use a saline nasal spray or saline nose drops two to three times a day in each nostril to keep your nasal passages moist. You can purchase these products over-the-counter or you can make them at home. To make the saline solution at home, mix 1 teaspoon of salt into 1 quart of tap water. Boil water for 20 minutes, and let cool until lukewarm.
• Add a humidifier to your furnace or run a humidifier in your bedroom at night to add moisture to the air.
• Spread water-soluble nasal gels or ointments in your nostrils with a cotton swab. 
• Avoid blowing your nose too forcefully.
• Sneeze through an open mouth. Always sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoid putting anything solid into your nose, including your fingers.
• Limit your use of medications that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• See your provider if you can’t easily control your nasal allergy symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Make sure you closely follow the directions when using over-the-counter products. Overusing them can cause nosebleeds.
• Quit smoking. Smoking dries out your nose and irritates it.
• Wear protective headgear if involved in activities that could result in an injury to your face and nose.
• Keep your child’s fingernails short.

Epistaxis no more!!

Although seeing blood coming out of your nose can be alarming, most nosebleeds aren’t serious. You can usually manage them at home. However, you should have some cases of epistaxis checked by a healthcare provider. For instance, if you have frequent nosebleeds, see a provider. This could be an early sign of another medical issue that they’ll want to look into. You can consult a homeopathic doctor and get diagnosed. After the detail diagnosis the remedies will be provided which can help you get rid of the condition.

BLOG PREPARED BY DR NOREEN NAUSHAD, MANUFACTURING CHEMIST, SIMILIA INDIA