Introduction
About 60% of all people suffer at least once in their life from nosebleeds (lat. : epistaxis). In addition to various causes, such as dried out mucous membrane or genetic predisposition, stress is often discussed as a cause of nosebleeds.
However, critics disagree as to whether stress is actually a possible cause. For example, they argue that stress is perhaps much more likely to be caused by nosebleeds themselves and not vice versa. So far, however, the famous question “hen or egg?” has not yet been conclusively clarified.
Cause
Stress causes an activation of the so-called “sympathetic nervous system“. This part of the involuntary nervous system puts our body, simply put, into a state of readiness to fight and escape. The sympathetic nervous system thus generally leads to an increase in the activity of many bodily functions, such as the heartbeat.
As an antagonist, the “parasympathetic nervous system” is responsible for all functions related to digestion and recovery. Physical or psychological stress ultimately leads to an activation of the sympathetic nervous system. As a result, our adrenal glands, for example, release the hormone adrenaline, which increases heart rate and blood pressure.
This increases the blood flow in the vessels, including the nasal mucosa. If the blood flow in the small vessels is too high, they can be damaged or even burst. Those affected then suffer from nosebleeds!
Again, it must be pointed out that the described connection has not been sufficiently proven in any scientific studies! If nosebleeds occur more often in stressful situations, it is also possible that a disease is the cause. In the first place arterial high blood pressure is to be mentioned.
If the person concerned already has high blood pressure at rest, even slight stress is sometimes enough to cause a nosebleed. Fortunately, high blood pressure is one of the most treatable diseases. Since long-term elevated values can have serious consequences (such as a stroke or heart attack), you should definitely consult your family doctor if you suspect that you are suffering from high blood pressure.
Very rarely, nosebleeds are even the only symptom of the disease (“tip of the iceberg”). In addition to organic illnesses, mental illnesses can also play a role. Panic disorders, for example, can subjectively trigger extremely stressful situations and push up blood pressure disproportionately.
