Why hot or cold weather easily cause nosebleeds?

Hot and dry air can rupture blood vessels causing nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis; especially in people with weak immune systems such as the elderly, children, and those with sinusitis.

Nosebleeds are common, most cases are mild and can be controlled at home. Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thi Bich Dao, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, explains that hot and dry air from the weather, fireplaces, air-conditioned rooms, and stoves will suck moisture out of the nasal mucosa. Small cracks form in the mucosa, causing itching and discomfort, leading to bleeding. Nosebleeds are more common in winter, due to the development of viruses and bacteria that weaken the immune system.

In the summer, swimmers may be allergic to chemicals used to clean swimming pool water, leading to irritation, congestion, and nosebleeds. Elderly people with high blood pressure, staying in an air-conditioned room, may experience a sudden increase in blood pressure. The difference in room temperature with the outside environment can also easily rupture blood vessels in the nose, causing bleeding.

According to Dr. Dao, most nosebleeds only last a few minutes. The way to deal with a nosebleed is to sit up, lean forward slightly, pinch your nostrils, and squeeze gently for 3-5 minutes. If the bleeding continues, do the same but hold for longer, starting with 5 minutes later. If it doesn't work, try again after 10 minutes. You can put some ice on the bridge of your nose to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow.

If the bleeding does not stop after pinching the nose three times in a row, the patient should be taken to a medical facility. Never blow your nose hard or stuff cotton into your nose.

To prevent the disease, keep your home clean and well-ventilated; limit going outdoors during peak sun hours (from 11am to 2pm). When going outdoors, protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to limit exposure to sunlight. Limit alcohol consumption, which irritates the capillaries in the nasal mucosa.

For children, to prevent nosebleeds, they should drink plenty of water and fruit juice. Children should not overexert themselves in sunny weather, should not play outdoors in the sun, and should not go barefoot. Increase the intake of cool green vegetables and limit spicy and hot foods. Elderly people should not walk around in the sun too much and should rest.

If nosebleeds occur frequently and home treatment does not help, you should see an ENT doctor to prevent other dangerous diseases such as cancer, maxillofacial trauma, and sinusitis.

Minh An

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