Epistaxis during stress

introduction

About 60% of all people suffer from nosebleeds at least once in their life (lat .: Epistaxis). In addition to various causes, such as dried out mucous membrane or genetic predisposition, stress is often discussed as a cause of nosebleed. However, critics disagree as to whether stress is actually a possible cause. So they argue that stress is perhaps much more self-induced by nosebleeds than the other way around. Up to now, however, the famous question “hen or egg?” Has not yet been conclusively answered.

root cause

Stress causes an activation of the so-called "Sympathetic". Put simply, this part of the involuntary nervous system turns our body into one ready to fight and to flee Status. The sympathetic nervous system generally leads to an increase in the activity of many body functions, such as the Heartbeat.

As an opponent is the "Parasympathetic nervous system“Responsible for all functions related to digestion and recovery. Physical or psychological stress ultimately leads to an activation of the sympathetic nervous system. As a result, for example, pour ours Adrenal glands the hormone adrenaline from what mainly Heart rate and Blood pressure climb.
This increases the Blood flow in the vessels, including the Nasal mucosa. If the blood flow to the small vessels is too high, they can be injured or even burst. Those affected then suffer from Epistaxis! However, it should again be pointed out that the described relationship could not be adequately proven in any scientific studies!

Diseases that can cause nosebleeds

If nosebleeds occur more frequently in stressful situations, it may also be that the whole thing is due to an illness. First of all, arterial high blood pressure should be mentioned. Because if those affected already have high blood pressure at rest, even light stress is sometimes enough to cause nosebleeds. Fortunately, high blood pressure is one of the easily treatable diseases. Since high levels can have dire consequences in the long term (such as a stroke or heart attack), you should definitely consult your family doctor if you suspect you have high blood pressure. Nosebleeds are very rarely the only symptom of the disease (“tip of the iceberg”).

In addition to organic, mental illnesses can also play a role. For example, panic disorders can trigger subjectively perceived extremely stressful situations and drive blood pressure up disproportionately.

therapy

Epistaxis under stress can be very distressing for many people. Because, unlike a headache, it can hardly be concealed. It is all the more important that those affected get at least briefly at the beginning of the nosebleed withdraw can to go through the arising attention not to get stressed any more.

Bend your head slightly Forward and Press Use your thumb and forefinger to hold your nostrils tightly together for 10-15 minutes. Cold Envelopes on the neck can also be helpful. Ultimately, however, those affected should try to deal better with stressful situations. Under certain circumstances, professional help can also be used, especially in the case of mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders.

prophylaxis

The best way to prevent nosebleeds during stress is to avoid stressful situations. However, many of those affected actually perceive “normal” stress as exhausting and demanding. However, autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation or meditation can often increase the personal “stress threshold”.
In everyday life, moisturizing nasal sprays or nourishing ointments can also care for our nasal mucosa. Especially in winter, those affected should ensure that there is sufficient humidity in the rooms.

You might also be interested in our next article: Homeopathy for nosebleeds

Epistaxis from stress in the child

Even a child can be under a lot of stress. School, classmates or family burden the little ones measurably. Besides for example belly- or a headache can also Epistaxis represent a physical sign of emotional distress. In affected children, sudden nosebleeds can be observed in Stressful situations, such as watching class work.
Nevertheless, here too the situation must be viewed critically. So, nosebleeds are an extreme frequent Phenomenon and can have many different causes. A reliable connection between psychological stress and nosebleeds can only be proven in a few cases. Sometimes small children are prone to stress excessive nose picking. Injury from the fingers / nails can damage the sensitive blood vessels and burst.