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ENT DOCTOR BLOG
Posts for: August, 2017
Dealing with frequent nosebleeds? Find out what could be to blame.
Getting a nosebleed every once in a while is pretty common; however, if you find yourself dealing with them rather regularly then you may be wondering what’s going on. Our Washington DC otolaryngologist Dr. William Bond, Jr. is here to provide a little insight into what could be happening and when you might want to come in for treatment.
What are the causes of a nosebleed?
One of the most obvious causes of a nosebleed is picking at the skin. Nasal tissue is thin and sensitive and nails can easily scratch or damage the skin. Besides trauma, nosebleeds may also be caused by:
- Allergies
- Dry air (often due to the winter)
- An infection (e.g. common cold)
- Medications (e.g. blood thinners)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- High blood pressure
- Pregnancy
- Broken nose
- Deviated septum
In most cases, a nosebleed isn’t a serious problem or cause for concern. Even if it’s not an emergency, it’s a good idea that you visit our Washington, DC ENT doctor if you are noticing nosebleeds more regularly or if you are having difficulty stopping your nose from bleeding. In this case, there might be an underlying condition or infection that needs to be addressed.
How do you stop a nosebleed?
There is a lot of misinformation out there about how to stop a nosebleed. While some people may tell you to lean back, you actually want to do the opposite. You will want to lean forward to prevent swallowing blood. Next, pinch your nostrils shut, breathe through your mouth and hold your nose for up to 10 minutes. If this doesn’t stop the bleeding, then try this again until the bleeding stop.
If you are noticing frequent or severe nosebleeds that you just can’t seem to get under control then it’s time you called our Washington, DC ENT specialist to find out what we can do to help.
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Sinus infections are painful. You have sinuses around your eyes and behind your nose, any of which can harbor an infection. The first sign you may have a sinus infection is a dull, throbbing pain in the area of your sinuses. You may also experience:- Pain in your upper jaws or teeth, eyes, nose or forehead
- A yellowish-green discharge when you blow your nose
- Congestion caused from swelling in your sinuses
- Severe headaches and earaches
- A sore throat and persistent cough
- Use a humidifier, especially in your bedroom; this keeps the air in your house moist, which soothes your sinuses. Dry air irritates your nasal passages and can cause increased mucus production, resulting in congestion and a sinus infection.
- Try an over-the-counter nasal irrigation kit; these kits, when used daily, can keep your nasal passages clean and free of mucus so bacteria won’t have a place to breed, causing a sinus infection. The saline solution also works to soothe your nasal passages.
- Wash your hands often, and don’t touch your face, nose, mouth or eyes; this helps to prevent spreading germs and bacteria to other places of your body.
- Stop smoking, because it increases mucus production and irritates your sinuses, providing an environment perfect for bacteria.
- Avoid alcohol, because alcohol can make your sinuses irritated and swollen, resulting in a sinus infection.
- Eat healthy and take your vitamins, especially vitamin C, and get sufficient exercise to keep your immune system at its peak so you can fight off a sinus infection.
