Epistaxis from nasal spray

introduction

Nasal sprays are commercially available in different designs and with different ingredients and active ingredients. The classic decongestant nasal sprays that are used for colds lead to a narrowing of the vessels in the nose due to their special active ingredients and thus reduce the blood flow to the nasal mucosa. This swells and the nose becomes free again with a cold.

Effect of the nasal spray

At a prolonged use However, the nasal decongestant sprays can be a side effect of the Rhinitis medicamentosa (Inflammation of the nose from medication) come. The cause is the sympathomimetics contained in the decongestant nasal sprays.
First it comes to the intended Decongestion in the lining of the nose, but after the end of the action, severe swelling: the nose is blocked and the mucous membrane is reddened. A vicious circle arises when the nasal spray is used again against the blockage, although it is the cause of it. You also need the nasal spray more frequently can be applied.

Other symptoms are Snoring or trouble sleeping, as well as constant breathing through the mouth. Additionally it comes to Changes the nasal mucosa. As the nasal spray is taken more and more frequently, the supplying vessels are increasingly narrowed. The nasal mucosa is poorly supplied with blood and it comes to Tissue atrophy (atrophy) and one Dehydration the mucous membrane.
In the process it comes to Tears into the mucous membrane and thereby to Epistaxis from nasal sprays.

It is not exactly clear after how many days a rhinitis medicamentosa occurs. However, a nasal decongestant spray should not last longer than 1 week be applied. If you already have rhinitis, this is the remedy of choice Omission of the nasal spray. The swelling of the nasal mucosa then recedes.
At the beginning, however, the swelling can still be perceived as very annoying. As a replacement for the decongestant nasal spray, a Glucocorticoid nasal spray can be used, which also has a decongestant effect, but does not lead to rhinitis medicamentosa.
Alternatively, one nostril can be weaned from the nasal spray first, while the other nasal spray is still used to reduce swelling. After weaning one nostril, the other follows.

Cortisone nasal spray

This form of nasal spray contains the glucocorticoid cortisone as an active ingredient. Nasal sprays containing other forms of glucocorticoid are also on the market. They are mainly used with allergies (Hay fever, allergic runny nose) applied. They work well against the blocked nose, but also against other symptoms such as burning, redness or tears in the eyes.

Learn more about: Nasal spray for an allergy

With frequent use, however, the preservative contained often irritates and dries out the nasal mucous membrane. A tissue loss (atrophy) but cannot be observed with cortisone nasal sprays. However, tears and nosebleeds can occur as a result of the dry mucous membrane.

Read more on the topic: Cortisone nasal spray

Seawater nasal spray

They mostly contain Table salt (Sodium chloride) or sea-salt. They mainly serve the Humidification the nose, but maintain it at the same time. In addition, seawater nasal sprays have one decongestant effect and promote wound healing the nose as well as the regeneration of the nasal mucosa.
The advantage of seawater nasal sprays is that they no constricting effect on the blood vessels and therefore without hesitation can be used. They can also be used over a longer period of time because they no major side effects cause.
They are therefore suitable for Incrustations or at dry nose, but they can also provide relief from a cold.
Seawater nasal spray can also be used for nosebleeds caused by other types of nasal spray to moisten the nasal mucosa and protect it from tears.

therapy

In order to stop an acute, heavy nosebleed, it makes sense to briefly close the nostrils by applying light external pressure compress (To do this, gently press the nostrils together with your thumb and forefinger). The bleeding should then stop within about 10 minutes lay. In addition, a cold washcloth or a Ice pack in the neck to help stop the nosebleeds.
The head should be bent forward slightly to allow the blood to drain through the nose or mouth.
Under no circumstances should the head be tucked back and the blood swallowed, as in the worst case it can get into the airways.

If the bleeding cannot be stopped by any of these measures, or if new nosebleeds keep occurring, it is important to consult a doctor.
Furthermore, the Cause of nosebleed Treatment: If the nosebleed is caused by an existing rhinitis medicamentosa with excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, the treatment of choice is this Stop using the nasal decongestant spray. You may be able to switch to a glucocorticoid nasal spray to counteract severe swelling of the nose. Glucocorticoid nasal sprays can also dry out the mucous membrane and cause nosebleeds through cracks. Then a nourishing ointment or a Sea water nasal spray used to keep the nasal mucosa moist and to care for it.

prophylaxis

Instead of the nasal spray that caused the nosebleed, the following remedies can also be used against a blocked nose: For dry nose and nasal mucosa, instead of a decongestant nasal spray, a Sea water nasal spray be used. This has a slightly decongestant effect and provides the nasal mucosa with additional moisture.
Other means of preventing the nasal mucous membrane from drying out are also useful to prevent nosebleeds: Nasal showers, Inhalations to dissolve mucus and moisten the airways as well as the Humidification of the room air. Furthermore, special Nasal ointments used for maintenance.
Blowing your nose and picking your nose should be avoided, as this can damage the nasal mucosa and lead to nosebleeds.

Stop nosebleeds with nasal spray

Nosebleeds can be caused by many other causes besides excessive use of nasal spray, for example Injuries, high blood pressure, Vascular disease, Infections and many others. If any of these other causes of the nosebleed are present, decongestant nasal sprays can be used Treatment of nosebleeds can be used. The constricting effect on the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa is used here to stop the nosebleed.