Epistaxis is a medical condition in which bleeding occurs from the nasal cavity of the nostril.
Epistaxis is also known as nose bleed or acute haemorrhage.
Approximately about 60% of the population is affected by epistaxsis at some point of thier life.But only few require medical attention.

What Causes Epistaxis?

The major factors which causes nosebleed or epistaxsis are

• Bursting of blood vessels within the nose.This may be spontaneous or caused by trauma.
  Blunt trauma (usually a sharp blow to face such as a punch, or fall on nose).
• Foriegn bodies or picking of nose.
• Respiratory tract infections like chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, or certain environmental irritants.
• Rise in blood pressure: Hypertension.
• Nasal sprays or prolonged use of nasal steriods.
• Structural or anatomical deformities.
• Exposure to warm dry air for prolonged period of time.
• Deficiency of vitamins
• Blood dyscrasias and various other systemic causes.

SYMPTOMS OF EPISTAXSIS

During a nose bleed, blood will flow from one or both the nostril. It may last anywhere from few seconds to more than 5-10 mins.

If bleeding is heavy enough the blood can fill up the affected nostril and flow into the nasopharynx.

Excessive blood loss from nosebleeds does not often occur.
If in case there is excessive blood loss it may cause dizziness, fainting, confusion, loss of alertness.

Additional bleeding from other parts of the body such as bleeding gums while brushing teeth, blood in urine/ bowel moments/ easy bruising indicate inability of blood to clot.

DIAGNOSIS

In majority of people, cases of anterior nosebleeds are self diagnosed. If nosebleeds fail to respond to first aid measures doctors advice is neccesary.

HOW TO STOP A NOSE BLEED

Sit down firmly, pinch the soft part of your nasal cavity just above your nostril for few minutes.

Place a covered ice pack on the bridge of your nose.

Lean forward and breathe through your mouth that will drain blood down your nose instead of your throat.

Stay upright rather than lying down. This reduces Blood pressure.

ROLE OF HOMEOPATHY IN TREATMENT OF EPISTAXSIS

Homeopathic medicines are highly beneficial in treatment of recurrent tendency of Epistaxsis. Homeopathic medicines are selected based on detailed case analysis and individualised approach in each case. Homeopathic medicines helps to treat the underlying cause leading to nose-bleed. They help to reduce bleeding tendency by strengthening the nasal mucus membrane.

Few indicated Homeopathic remedies in Epistaxis are discussed below,

ARNICA MONTANA

Arnica montana is highly reliable and efficient remedy for treatment of epistaxis caused by injury. Arnica is a anti traumatic remedy. Arnica is usefull in nose-bleed of growing children.

HAMAMELIS

Hamamelis is a very effective anti haemorrhagic medicine for epistaxsis. It is effective in bleeding from various orifices of the body including nose bleed. Indicated when the blood is dark and incoaguable.

PHOSPHOROUS

Phosphorous is one of the efficient medicine in controlling bleeding from various orifices of the body. Phosphorous helps in reducing the tendency towards recurrent epistaxsis episode.

CROCUS SATIVUS

Crocus sativus is another effective medicine for epistaxis with dark or blackish stringy nasal bleeding. Along with bleed there is extreme physical weakness and weariness. Episodes of epistaxis in summer are very well treated with Crocus sativus.

LACHESIS

Lachesis is a significant anti hemorrhagic remedy used for treating various bleeding tendencies. Discharges are black, thick bloody. Some may complain of acridity in blood which irritates or corrodes the lip and mouth.

FERRUM METALICUM

Ferrum metalicum works well when nasal bleed is bright red in colour. In such cases along with epistaxis symptoms of anaemia are also present. Extreme exhaustion, weakness and debility is present.

AMMONIUM CARB

Ammonium carb is useful for epistaxsis from nasal crusts. Indicated when nosebleed occur because of peeling of nasal crusts that gets formed due to dry nasal catarrah. Epistaxis early morning while washing face.

CARBO VEGETABILIS

Carbo vegetabilis is an ideal homeopathic medicine for epistaxis, patient suffering from frequent episodes of nasal bleeding. Due to blood loss the face of the patient appears pale, with loss of vitality.

KALIUM BICHROMICUM

Indicated in nose bleed with dry coryza preceeded by pressure and tightness at the root of the nose.
Bloos thick dark red in colour with persistent tickling in the nostril.

SEPIA

Epistaxis during pregnancy or in women suffering from uterine troubles. Bright red flow of blood alternately appearing several times a day.

HOW TO PREVENT NOSE BLEED

Avoid picking your nose and blowing your nose hard if its blocked due to cold or hay fever.

Always follow instructions that come along with nasal congestants.

Wear a head guard while playing sports.