As we enter the late winter, PM 2.5 values are significantly higher in Thailand. In many areas, it affects our body systems in many ways. Many people experience frequent nosebleeds, and they tend to be worse during periods when PM 2.5 dust values are high. Especially those who already have allergies or sinusitis.
PM 2.5 can cause nosebleeds (Epistaxis) and can occur in all genders and ages. But it is more common in children and adolescents. Including people with underlying diseases such as allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. This is because PM 2.5 is one of the factors. That causes changes in the nasal mucosa, stimulating the inflammatory process. แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ Causing increased swelling and increased sensitivity to the original allergen, causing rhinitis or allergy exacerbation in allergic patients.
And when the swelling increases, there is a runny nose, itching, sneezing, it may stimulate the nose to rub, pick, scratch the front wall of the nose, or blow the nose hard.
Especially in children, which causes wounds on the front of the nasal septum or small capillaries in the front of the nasal cavity to be injure, ruptured. And cause nosebleeds. In medical terms, this type of nosebleed is call Anterior Epistaxis or nosebleeds from the front of the nose. Which is the most common cause of nosebleeds in children and people with sinusitis from infection or allergic rhinitis. However, if it is a nosebleed from the back of the nose or Posterior Epistaxis. Which will be more abundant and more severe, the cause is often related to high blood pressure. It is not directly related to PM 2.5.
In addition, nosebleeds can be cause. By many other factors that are not directly caused by PM 2.5. Such as a deviated nasal septum. An accident in the nasal cavity or face, a foreign object in the nose. A tumor in the nasal cavity or behind the nasal cavity. Abnormalities in blood clotting from various diseases such as dengue fever, taking anticoagulants, chronic liver disease.
When should I see a doctor if I have a nosebleed?
- Recurrent nosebleeds occur frequently, especially if the nose bleeds from the same side for the second time within a period of not more than 1 week. This is because the cause is usually a clear bleeding point or wound.
- If the nose bleeds in large amounts, more than half a glass, or does not stop after first aid by pinching the nose for 15 minutes, or if you feel dizzy, you should see a doctor at the hospital immediately.
- Nosebleeds flow down the throat more than out of the front of the nose. Because it may be cause. By nosebleeds from the posterior nasal cavity (Posterior Epistaxis). Which has a chance of causing severe nosebleeds and cannot stop the bleeding by itself, causing airway obstruction, affecting the circulatory system, severe to the point of death.
- Nosebleeds, along with bleeding from other systems, such as blood spots on the skin, bloody stools. Or blood in the urine, which may be cause by diseases with blood clotting disorders.
- If you have nosebleeds and high blood pressure. You should be evaluated for the cause and location of the nosebleed. And evaluated for treatment of high blood pressure, which is a contributing cause.
- If there are other nasal symptoms such as increasing nasal congestion or tinnitus, it is necessary to perform a nasal and posterior nasal endoscopy to examine for additional nasal masses. Or if there are symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as itchy nose, sneezing. Clear runny nose, which are found in patients with allergic rhinitis, etc.
PM 2.5 and treatable nosebleeds
Since nosebleeds caused by PM 2.5 are often found to have abnormal pathology of the nasal mucosa in the anterior nasal septum (Little’s area), treatment can be provided as follows:
- Treatment with medication: In cases where nosebleeds have stopped, conservative treatment can be used with medications, such as ointment applied to the bleeding site, nasal sprays to reduce swelling locally, and saline nasal sprays to increase moisture in the nose.
- Treatment by cauterizing the bleeding point. In cases where bleeding is found and the bleeding continues or recurring in the same place, with no result from medication, the doctor will recommend cauterizing the bleeding point to stop the bleeding and reduce re-bleeding. This can be done in an outpatient examination room or minor surgery room immediately using local anesthesia. No need to stay in the hospital to recover.
- Other treatments such as nose packing to stop bleeding and ligation in the operating room are treatments to stop nosebleeds caused by other causes or more severe conditions depending on the case.
It can be prevented. The prevention method depends on the cause and triggers. In the case of PM2.5 triggers, avoid contact with, inhale dust pollution, cigarette smoke. If it cannot be avoided, it is recommended to wash the nose with saline to remove dust pollution after contact and help increase moisture to the nasal cavity mucosa. If there is also allergic rhinitis, the allergy should be treated continuously and avoid picking, scratching, rubbing the nose hard or blowing the nose hard.
First Aid
- Sit leaning forward, do not tilt your head back, to prevent blood from flowing down your throat and windpipe, which increases the chances of blood blocking your airway and causing choking.
- Use your hands to pinch both nostrils for about 10 minutes until the bleeding stops and you can breathe through your mouth instead.
- Apply a cold compress to your forehead and around your nose.
- If the bleeding has stopped, avoid picking, scratching, rubbing your nose, or sneezing or blowing your nose hard.
If the bleeding does not stop or there is a large amount of bleeding, flowing down the neck, or you feel dizzy, see a doctor at the hospital immediately.
However, nosebleeds are a common symptom in both children and adults, and are more common during periods of worsening air pollution or higher PM 2.5 levels. In fact, nosebleeds can be caused by many factors and may be a sign of dangerous diseases such as nasal tumors, nasal cavity cancer, and nasopharyngeal tuberculosis, not just PM 2.5. Therefore, if you experience abnormal nosebleeds, such as frequent or large nosebleeds, you should consult a specialist to find the exact cause.