You’re on the train to work, school, or a sporting event when your nose starts dripping. You try to stop it, only to discover that you are experiencing winter nosebleeds, and it doesn’t seem to be going away very soon. After doing everything you can think of to stop the nosebleed, you begin to wonder, “Why is this happening to me?”
Although nosebleeds can be terrifying, they are usually harmless and treatable. A variety of factors can cause nosebleeds.
Many people notice frequent nosebleeds in winter, especially those people who are always cold. Let’s analyze why this might be the case.
Why Nosebleeds Are More Common in Winter?
Nose bleed in cold weather is a typical seasonal irritation in the country. It is where winter means battling freezing winds and then huddling inside for warmth. That’s why proper layering of clothing and ear protection are especially essential in the winter.
Low humidity is the most common cause of bloody nose in winter. It causes the delicate membrane lining nasal passages to become dry and cracked.
A cough, sneeze, a sharp fingernail, or blowing your nose is all it takes to rupture those tiny blood vessels. If you use a steroid nasal spray or take a blood thinner, you may increase your risk.
What Are Other Causes of Nosebleeds?
When a blood artery in your nose bursts, it causes a nosebleed. Many blood vessels inflame due to cold or dry air (which tends to occur more often in winter).
Most nosebleeds begin in the tubes toward the front half of your nose. Other nosebleeds occur deeper and higher in your nose. Such as in the cartilage separating your nostrils or at the base of your brain, and are more problematic.
The following are some of the most common causes of nosebleeds:
- Nasal irritation is due to dry air, colds, allergies, or a sinus infection.
- Picking your nose or putting foreign things in your nose. You may not realize it, but it causes minor damage to the nasal lining. It is a favorite habit of some younger children.
- Traumatic nasal fracture
- Use of decongestant nasal sprays
- Use of anti-clotting drugs to keep blood from clotting (such as aspirin, Advil, or heparin). These medications don’t cause the nosebleed in the first place, but they do make it more difficult to stop.
- They have a blood-clotting disorder like hemophilia, which can result in spontaneous hemorrhages.
- High blood pressure
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Winter Nosebleeds?
A nosebleed can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- bleeding from one or both nostrils,
- a feeling of liquid flowing down the back of the throat,
- and a strong desire to swallow
How To Prevent a Bloody Nose in Winter?
The most important thing you can do is take preventative measures. You may get products to cure and prevent nosebleeds at your local pharmacy.
Remember that nosebleeds are rarely hazardous. You can usually treat winter nosebleeds at home if you know what to do and when to seek medical help.
- Blowing, sneezing, and picking your nose are all terrible ideas. Keep your lips open if you need to sneeze to relieve nasal pressure.
- Avoid bending over and engaging in strenuous activity like heavy lifting. It will raise the pressure in your head, increasing the chances of a nosebleed.
- To keep the lining of your nose moist, use petroleum jelly or saline gel to the inside of your nostrils.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements.
- To provide moisture to the dry indoor air, use a humidifier. Use a humidifier in the bedroom because you spend the most time blowing the hardest when the inside heat.
How To Stop A Nosebleed In Cold Weather?
Most nosebleeds will go away on their own or with self-care. Most people don’t need to take dramatic measures to stop a nosebleed. Here are some ways to help you end nosebleeds in cold weather.
Winter Nosebleeds Do’s
1. Remain calm.
2. Lean Forward. When you have a nose bleed, you may instinctively lean back. Blood rushes down your esophagus and into your stomach when you lean back. It can cause both vomiting and diarrhea, so it’s best to avoid it.
3. Pinch. Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the soft part of your nose.
4. Hard Press. Breathe out your mouth while pinching your nose and pressing. It will help in the compression of the nose.
5. Hold. You should keep this position for at least five minutes, though you may need to hold it for longer.
6. Keep Your Head Elevated. Keep your head elevated over your heart while sitting still. It will only make matters worse if you lie down or put your head between your knees.
7. Apply Ice. After you’ve completed the previous procedures, ice your nose and cheeks. It will help in the prevention of further bleeding and the promotion of clotting.
Winter Nosebleeds Dont’s
1. Do not stuff tissues or other household things like tampons down your nose. It may worsen the bleeding.
2. Do not lie flat or lean your head back. You may choke on blood as a result of this. Blood in the stomach might make you feel nauseous and make you puke.
3. Avoid lifting anything heavy or engaging in physical activity or domestic duties. A nosebleed can take up to two weeks to heal completely.
When To See A Physician For Your Nosebleeds
Symptoms of nosebleeds may need immediate medical attention. If you’re alone and bleeding, don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital. Instead, contact 911 or arrange for someone to transport you.
These are some of the warning signals of dangerous conditions:
- Bleeding that lasts more than 20 minutes is a sign of a severe problem.
- Bleeding after a head injury, such as a fall and hitting your face
- A broken nose is a possibility (if you injured your nose was in some way, especially if it looks crooked)
- Breathing difficulties owing to heavy bleeding
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Having to use blood thinners
- A nosebleed in a child under the age of two
- Having a history of severe nosebleeds that necessitated medical attention
Other times, you may be able to avoid seeking medical attention right away. But it would help if you still seek help of an ENT. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
- You or your child has a lot of nosebleeds, like once a week or more.
- You’re experiencing nosebleeds that are not because of colds or other mild irritations.
- Bleeding after recent surgery, such as sinus surgery.
Nosebleeds are common and not life-threatening. These happen out of nowhere and don’t persist long.
They are due to various factors, including dry air and frequent scratching or picking of the nose. If you are cannot stop the bleeding, contact your doctor right once.
Keeping your environment moist and using nasal mists keep your nasal passages wet. These are effective techniques to avoid winter nosebleeds.