With rising temperatures and the beginning of summer, many people encounter an unpleasant phenomenon: a sudden nosebleed. Despite the alarming appearance, in most cases this is a common and not dangerous condition.
Why does it happen specifically in the summer?
The medical name for a nosebleed is epistaxis, and it is especially common among children, but it also occurs in adults.
The main causes in the summer:
Dry air - the heat outside and increased use of air conditioners dry out the nasal mucosa, making it more sensitive and vulnerable.
Physical irritation - nose picking (especially in children), blowing the nose too forcefully, or a light blow can cause small and delicate blood vessels to tear.
Blood-thinning medications - people taking such medications are at higher risk of bleeding.
The common mistake everyone makes
Many people tend to tilt their head backward during a nosebleed, but this is a mistake. This action causes blood to flow toward the throat and may create a choking sensation and even lead to swallowing blood.
This is how you should act correctly in case of a nosebleed:
1. Stay calm: Stress and anxiety raise blood pressure and may worsen the bleeding.
2. Lean forward: Sit down and slightly tilt your head and body forward, this allows the blood to flow out instead of into the throat.
3. Press the nose: Apply pressure with two fingers on the soft part of the nose (not on the bone) for several consecutive minutes, without releasing every few seconds to check.
<br>What not to do when you have a nosebleed?
Do not insert tissue, cotton wool, or anything else into the nostrils
Do not "improvise solutions" that may cause additional irritation
Do not tilt the head backward
When should you see a doctor? In most cases the bleeding will stop on its own. However, you should seek medical attention if the bleeding is particularly heavy, if it does not stop after several minutes of continuous pressure, or if it is a frequent recurring event.
In such cases, an ear, nose and throat doctor can perform a simple treatment such as cauterizing the bleeding blood vessel.
How can you prevent nosebleeds?
Make sure to drink enough fluids
Maintain humidity in the room (for example using a humidifier)
Avoid unnecessary irritation of the nose
Bottom line: Nosebleeds in the summer are a common phenomenon and usually not dangerous. With the correct response and a little patience, it can be easily stopped and you can return to routine.
Dr. Tili Fisher Yosef is a specialist in family medicine at Maccabi Healthcare Services