“Epistaxis” is the Latin word for the nosebleeds. Nose bleeding is very common and every one of us has experienced it at least once in our lifetime. As common as it is, 90% of nosebleeds do not have an identifiable cause after investigation. This is not a bad thing as it means that most nosebleeds have no sinister causes.
Our nose is supplied by blood from an internal and external arterial system. The external vascular supply comes from the vessel that brings blood to our face; hence it enter the nose from outside, causes the bleeding from the front of the nose where we get most of the bleeding. The internal vascular supply is more elaborate, coming off the vessels that bring blood directly to the brain. They supply the nose from the back under higher pressure and therefore nose bleed from the internal system tends generally to be more heavier; this is because we cannot press and stop the bleeding at the back for the nose with our fingers and also as the arterial blood pressure is stronger too.
So what causes nose bleeding? Several factors affect and cause nose bleeds. Firstly we need a blood vessel as the source, preferably near the surface of the lining. Vessels in the front of the nose are nearer the surface as the lining is thinner so nose bleeds from the front is therefore commoner. Next we also need a condition that makes the vessel more prone to bleeding. So, for example, if there is an existing inflammation like a nose allergy, infection or sinusitis, there is inflammation of the vessel with an engorgement by blood.
Perhaps the wall of the vessel might be weak and breaks easily; we sometimes
see this as the sole reason in the elderly population. Trauma from an accident
to the nose or repeated trauma by the patient picking his/her nose can break
the vessel too. Obviously nasopharyngeal cancers, cancers of the nose and
sinuses, vascular tumors and malformations can cause bleeding too. All tumor
growths require a good blood supply to feed their growth and hence may present
as a nosebleed early on.
Reference: www.entific.com.hk/
The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.
