Kiesselbach’s plexus also happens to be where the fingers of little kids have easy access. “It's easier for us to manage nosebleeds than to manage a stroke or a heart attack, so I would rather treat their nosebleeds aggressively so that patients can stay on their anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.” In kids, fingers are often the culprit. “I often see patients who are taking some kind of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication,” Gudis says. Individuals who take aspirin to prevent heart attacks or have a platelet condition that impairs their ability to form blood clots are also more likely to have recurrent nosebleeds. “Even though it's essentially unnoticeable to the average person, over time it can cause trauma to the mucous membrane that covers Kiesselbach’s plexus and cause recurrent nosebleeds,” Gudis says. In adults, turbulent airflow can lead to nosebleeds.Įspecially in the case of a deviated nasal septum, the inner part of the nose can be a place of turbulent airflow. But it can result in frequent nosebleeds. The vessels keep the area well supplied with blood, which is critical for the health of the sinuses. Nosebleeds usually come from the area of the front of the nasal septum known as the Kiesselbach’s plexus, where a number of arterial branches converge. Here’s what you need to know: Blame your Kiesselbach’s plexus. We spoke with Gudis, who recently published an article with a video in the New England Journal of Medicine discussing the proper evaluation and treatment of recurrent nosebleeds. In rare cases, Gudis says, frequent nosebleeds may be a sign of a more significant health issue, so it’s important to see a specialist to determine the underlying cause of the problem.Īnd some nosebleeds involve such a significant amount of blood loss that they can result in airway obstruction or a life-threatening emergency. Recurrent nosebleeds can often be managed by simply holding pressure on the nose, but in some cases, medical or surgical intervention is necessary. “When nosebleeds are frequent, they can really get in the way of daily activities and be a significant hindrance to having a normal and healthy quality of life.” Gudis, MD, associate professor of otolaryngology/head & neck surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons and chief of the Division of Rhinology & Anterior Skull Base Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. “Frequent nosebleeds are a reason to see a primary care doctor or an ENT (an ear, nose, and throat) specialist,” says David A. But for some-about 15% of people-nosebleeds are a regular occurrence.
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