Dubai: Rising temperatures may cause some residents to experience nosebleeds, but there is no need to panic unless such incidents are frequent, a doctor said.
Explaining the reasons for nosebleeds, Dr Shaji Hydrose, general practitioner at Aster Medical Centre, said: “In summer, extreme heat in the atmosphere causes dryness in the thin lining of the nose and increases the chances of crusting. Bleeding happens when the crust is ruptured in cases of children picking their noses, or with minimal trauma.”
Explaining actions that could amount to minimal trauma, Dr Hydrose said rubbing the nose, mildly bumping could cause the pressure on it to cause bleeding.
If nosebleeds are recurrent, Dr Hydrose advised a medical check-up.
He said it is important to understand that simply keeping within air-conditioned environs will not prevent nose bleeds because the dry air can cause crusting in the nose.
“Other causes of nose bleeding are trauma, recurrent infections in the nose, sinuses and bony abnormalities inside the nose like deviated nasal septum,” Dr Hydrose said. “[A nosebleed] is not a major issue unless the bleeding is heavy, incessant, or accompanied by dizziness.”
Dr Hydrose has been treating two to three patients a week for nosebleeds since the temperatures began rising.
“Simple nosebleed can be treated with the person sitting up, leaning forward and applying pressure over the bleeding nostril for 10-15 minutes and breathing through the mouth. Ice can be applied intermittently,” Dr Hydrose advised.
Keep yourself hydrated in summer can prevent nosebleeds. People with hypertension (high blood pressure) should consult their doctor in case of nose bleeds.
