Nosebleeds

What is Nosebleeds

The medical term for a nosebleed is epistaxis and it is defined as bleeding from a blood vessel which is located either in the front part of the nasal partition (known as the septum), or further back in the nasal cavity.

What are the Symptoms of Nosebleeds

The blood vessels in the nose are very soft and any interference with them, however slight, can cause the nose to bleed. While it is true to say that most nosebleeds occur for no obvious reason, there are a number of factors which can contribute to frequent nose bleeding

Traditional Medical Treatments for Nosebleeds

If the bleeding fails to stop by external pressure the nostrils may need to be packed with cotton gauze. The gauze is usually impregnated with a small amount of adrenaline. The adrenaline reduces the diameter of the blood vessels in the nose thereby reducing the amount of blood loss. Occasionally referral to a specialist may be needed in order to undergo cautery. This procedure repairs the leaking point in the blood vessel through which the blood is lost.

Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Nosebleeds

Estrogen cream, the same preparation used to revitalize vaginal tissue, can toughen fragile blood vessels in the anterior septum and forestall the need for cauterization. Botanical medicines known as styptics, which slow down and can stop bleeding, may be taken internally or applied topically. Some of the plants used are achillea (yarrow), trillium, geranium, and shepherd's purse (capsella-bursa). Homeopathic remedies can be one of the quickest and most effective treatments for epistaxis.