What to do if your nose bleeds in summer? Doctor explains

Kerala has been battered by the scorching summer heat. Apart from sunburns and dehydration, epistaxis, or nosebleeds, is another health issue suffered by many during summer. People often get scared when they see blood coming from the nose. But it could be treated with simple precautions and first aid. Dr Rebecca Philipose, MBBS and MS in Internal Medicine, surgeon at Paret Mar Ivanios Hospital, Puthuppally, explains. 

Why during summer?
The interiors of the nose are lined with a soft mucous membrane. There are lots of bleeding vessels in this part that could burst easily, mainly due to the following reasons:
Dryness in the atmosphere – The thin membrane inside the nasal passage dries up when the moisture level in the atmosphere decreases. Crusts form here, which can cause itching.
Blood vessels burst – Blood vessels may burst when you wipe or scratch your nose harshly, when the skin inside is dry. 

Pollen allergy – Excessive heat, dryness, and dust in the atmosphere increase the risk of pollen allergy. Sneezing and scratching the nose due to an allergy can cause blood vessels to burst. 
Infections – Immunity in the nose declines as the temperature rises during summer. Besides, infections like a cold may cause nosebleeds in kids when the blood vessels burst. 

First aid
Most people bend their head backwards when they spot a nosebleed; however, this is the wrong way to stop it. This will cause blood to flow to the throat, then block the windpipe. You could stop the nosebleed in these three simple steps:
Bend forward – Sit straight and then bend your head forward. 
Pinch and hold – Pinch and hold the lower part of your nose using your finger for 5 – 10 minutes. Try to breath in through your mouth when your pinch and hold your nose. 
Ice pack – You could apply ice packs to the nasal bridge and forehead to constrict blood vessels and stop the bleeding. 

Prevention
Saline nasal sprays or drops could be used to prevent nasal dryness. You could also apply some liquid paraffin or petroleum jelly inside the nose before going to bed. 
Hydration – The cells inside the nose would get dried if your body is not well hydrated. 
Clip the nails – Make sure to clip the nails on your kids’ fingers so they don't injure themselves by sticking them into their noses. 

When should you see the doctor?
•If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 20 minutes
•If you feel nausea or tiredness due to excessive blood loss
•Those who have high blood pressure or take blood thinners should seek expert treatment as soon as they spot nasal bleeds.