Nose Bleeds and High Blood Pressure

Nose bleeds are a very common problem amongst children. In medical terms, nose bleeding is called as epistaxis . Although they look scary and terrible, staying calm is the immediate requirement for dealing with nose bleeding. There are many reasons for nose bleeds such as calcium deficiency, exposure to irritating chemicals, sinusitis, high altitude, excessive use of illegal drugs and high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a medical condition which has no symptoms. The condition can only be diagnosed by a doctor by regularly monitoring your blood pressure.

What Causes Nose Bleeds?
The nose has large number of blood vessels located at vulnerable points. Thus its very easy for the nose to get hurt and start bleeding. The most common nose bleeding causes are dry weather conditions. Dry conditions can be caused by extreme winters or summers. The dryness in the air dries up the nasal membranes, which causes the nose to bleed. This kind of bleeding is more of a nuisance than a medical condition but when nose bleed is associated with high blood pressure, it can be a serious problem.

Nose Bleeds and High Blood Pressure
There are two types of nose bleeding, namely, anterior and posterior. One of the reasons for posterior bleeding of nose is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by the blood on the arteries. Hence, high blood pressure nose bleeds are a result of blood pressure exceeding the normal level of 120/80.

Chronic Nose Bleeds
Chronic nose bleeds can be dangerous and require immediate treatment. As mentioned earlier, there are two types of nose bleeds. The anterior nose bleeds occur from the front and hence are not very dangerous. The posterior nose bleeds occur from the top, which is what makes them frightening. Generally, older people are more prone to posterior nose bleeds. Medical help should be sought immediately in case of chronic nose bleeding. Chronic nose bleeds can create panic as they are excessive and look gruesome. The person can suffer from weakness due to blood loss. In worse conditions, it may even lead to anemia. Nose bleeds and high blood pressure is a chronic case, which should be medically treated.

How to Stop a Nose Bleed
It is very important to stop a nose bleed as soon as possible. Every person a technique to do so. Here are a few tips to equip you better to stop a nose bleed.

Sit Straight and lean forward to reduce the pressure on the veins of your nose. Leaning forward will also prevent you from swallowing the blood, which often causes panic and irritation.

Pinch Your Nose with your index finger and thumb. Lean forward and breathe through your nose. This will stop the blood flow from the septum, if done for five to 10 minutes.

Lie Down on Your Back with your head straight. Pour some cold water on your head if the bleeding is caused due to hot and dry conditions. Once the head in cooled down, the bleeding will stop in a while. As far as possible, keep your mouth open while sneezing as it de-stresses your nostrils from the pressure built up on the inside.

Preventing High Blood Pressure Nose Bleeds
Nose bleeds and high blood pressure are an effect of abnormal blood pressure. Thus lowering high blood pressure is important to stop / prevent nose bleeds. Following a healthy eating pattern, avoiding smoking and alcohol, adequate sleep, time management, avoiding tensions and maintaining a healthy weight with exercises are some of the ways to prevent high blood pressure. Read on for more on high blood pressure diet.

Causes of nose bleeding are many. However, nose bleeds and high blood pressure is a dangerous combination. Consult an ENT doctor immediately if it's a case of chronic nose bleeds that keep recurring.