Nosebleeds can be more than a nuisance for people who experience them frequently. In fact, the American Academy of Otolaryngology estimates that one out of every seven people will get a nosebleed at some point in their life, and many people get more. Here are several strange but effective ways to stop recurring nosebleeds.
1. Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin K and Zinc
Surprisingly, altering your diet a little can vastly improve recurrent nosebleeds or even stop them altogether. Vitamin K can help improve the blood's ability to clot, which can help eliminate nosebleeds or make them easier to control when they do occur. This vitamin is found in dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and collard greens. Zinc is another important mineral for nosebleed sufferers. Zinc supports the blood vessels in the body and can be found in brown rice, popcorn, and whole wheat bread.
2. Breathe in Steam to Keep Nasal Passages Moist
A lot of nosebleeds, especially those that occur during the winter, can be attributed to dry nasal passages. Warm, dry air that is prevalent in homes during the colder months can shrink the delicate mucosal lining of the nose, exposing blood vessels to trauma. While humidifiers can help, warm steam in copious amounts can be even more effective at restoring the natural moisture in the sinus cavity. Regular steam treatments, where a nosebleed sufferer inhales steam from a pot of boiling water or a hot shower for several minutes several times a day, can quickly stop nosebleeds that are caused by a dry nose.
3. Irrigate With Salt & Baking Soda Water
Many people know that a saline nasal spray can help stop recurring nosebleeds, but the American Academy of Asthma and Immunology recommends a saline rinse made with eight ounces of lukewarm boiled or distilled water, and one teaspoon of a mixture that is comprised of three heaping teaspoons of canning or pickling salt (this type does not contain iodide or anti-caking agents that can irritate delicate nasal tissue), and one teaspoon of baking soda. The solution can be introduced into the nose with a simple bulb syringe and blown into a separate container until all eight ounces of water have been used.
4. Apply Vitamin E Oil to the Nasal Passages
Liquid vitamin E oil can be applied directly to the outer nasal passages with a clean cotton swab a few times a day to keep the nasal passages moist and prevent recurring nosebleeds. Vitamin E oil is preferable to other moisturizing agents that are commonly used, like petroleum jelly, since vitamin E is calming and will not irritate nasal tissues. However, vitamin E oil should be avoided in individuals who take anti-coagulant medications because there is a slight risk of increased bleeding.
5. Talk to Your Doctor About Laser Surgery
If nosebleeds continue to occur and are not relieved by the above methods, it may be necessary to discuss the condition with a physician that specializes in laser surgery for nosebleeds. Laser surgery aims to cauterize the blood vessels that are responsible for the frequent bleeding, essentially permanently stopping their ability to receive blood. Because there are numerous blood vessels in the sinus cavity, the cauterization of the few that are responsible for bleeds is usually not problematic.
Frequent nosebleeds can be highly disruptive and can prevent a person from leading an active, satisfying lifestyle. Taking steps to eliminate recurring nosebleeds with home remedies can provide temporary or even long lasting relief. In cases where laser surgery is recommended, individuals can enjoy a permanent solution to the inconvenience and stress of repeated nosebleeds. Click for more info on laser surgery.