Nosebleeds: When are they serious? Causes and warning signs

Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are a common occurrence affecting people of all ages, and are often dismissed as a passing symptom resulting from dry air or a minor injury. However, specialists and doctors warn against ignoring this condition, especially if it recurs noticeably, as it may be an early warning sign of more complex health problems requiring urgent medical attention.

Medical context and common causes of nosebleeds

Historically, medicine has treated nosebleeds as a symptom rather than a disease in itself. Nosebleeds are most often caused by the rupture of tiny blood vessels in the lining of the nose, which is highly sensitive. Some of the most common causes include:

• Environmental factors: such as dry air, especially in desert climates, which leads to dryness and cracking of the mucous membranes.
• Congestion and allergies: frequent colds and sinus infections.
• Direct injuries: exposure to blows or tampering with the nose.

When is a nosebleed dangerous?

Experts confirmed to Al-Youm newspaper that the danger lies in the fact that bleeding is a symptom of underlying systemic diseases. In some cases, persistent or heavy nosebleeds may indicate:

• High blood pressure (hypertension): This is one of the most prominent causes that may lead to severe nosebleeds that are difficult to control, and it is known as the “silent killer”.
• Blood clotting disorders: such as hemophilia or low platelet count, or as a result of taking blood-thinning drugs without careful monitoring.
• Liver and kidney diseases: which may affect the body's ability to clot blood normally.
• Tumors: In rare cases, bleeding may be an indication of benign or malignant tumors in the nasal cavity.

The importance of health awareness and first aid

The importance of raising awareness about this health event lies in correcting widespread misconceptions about how to stop bleeding. A common mistake is tilting the head back, which can lead to swallowing blood and it entering the stomach or airway. The correct method is to sit upright with the head tilted slightly forward and to pinch the cartilage of the nose.

In conclusion, doctors advise that regular check-ups, especially blood pressure measurements and a complete blood count, are necessary when nosebleeds recur, to ensure general safety and prevent serious health complications.