Synonyms in a broader sense
Medical: Epistaxis
Introduction
Almost every person has had a nosebleed (epistaxis) at some point in their life. Be it after a strong blowing or a violent impact on the nose. The causes of nosebleeds are manifold. Frequency and amount of blood can give an indication of the cause. In most cases, however, nosebleeds are harmless and do not require medical treatment.
Causes
What causes nosebleeds?
- At the tip of the nose there is a dense network of vessels (locus Kiesselbach). Mechanical stimuli, boring fingers and fingernails can cause injuries and nosebleeds at this point.
- The notorious “blow on the nose” can cause considerable damage to the nasal bone, the nasal septum and the nasal mucosa.
In the process, even small vessels tear, from which it can bleed heavily depending on the severity of the injury ().
- Colds, such as rhinitis and sinusitis, lead to increased blood circulation in the mucous membrane. The increased pressure on the small mucosal vessels makes them more vulnerable. Nosebleeds can quickly occur as part of a cold.
Nosebleeds can also be an expression of a serious disease.
If nosebleeds occur frequently and persist for a long time, it is essential to consult your family doctor. Your doctor will ask you about the frequency and intensity of the bleeding to find out the possible cause. The following diseases can cause nosebleeds:
- High blood pressure (hypertension): High pressure on the delicate mucosal vessels leads to their fragility and a prolonged bleeding time.
In patients with high blood pressure, nosebleeds occur more frequently, especially during periods of excitement and stress.
- Scurvy, vitamin C deficiency : In cases of malnutrition or unbalanced diet, a vitamin C deficiency can increase the tendency to bleed throughout the body.
- Vitamin K deficiency: Vitamin K is necessary for the formation of coagulation factors (mediators of blood clotting). A deficiency can therefore lead to an increased bleeding tendency. Marcumar is a medicine to lower the effect of vitamin K and is administered in various cardiovascular diseases.
As a side effect it can lead to increased nosebleeds.
- Thombozytopathy, Von Willebrand Jürgens syndrome, vWD: Von Willebrand Jürgens disease is a congenital blood coagulation disorder. In addition to nosebleeds, there is also bleeding from the gums and internal skin bleeding (petechiae).
- Chemical and physical damage: Acids, chlorine and various vapors can damage the nasal mucosa to such an extent that nosebleeds occur more frequently. Irradiation as part of cancer therapy has the side effect of thinning the mucous membrane. The thinned nasal mucosa is susceptible to injury.
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