Victoria Week 2: Nosebleeds.

    Nosebleeds are easy to spot and look dramatic, with the victim holding their nose and trying to stop their bleeding without making too big of a mess. Most people associate nose bleeds with sport or other accidents, such as getting hit in the face by a ball. For me, however, nosebleeds are not an uncommon accident but are an event that may occur at any time, particularly when most inconvenient. My nosebleeds can occur at almost any time, and do not seem to have any specific cause. Doctors sometimes point to “dry air,” “allergies” or other general causes, but they seem to occur without warning and without any specific cause.

    Nosebleeds have been a part of my life growing up. We have thrown away many pillows that were covered in blood. My family got used to my nosebleeds because they were so common but to outsiders they were apparently a dramatic event. Years ago, I was attending dance class when I developed a major nose bleed which to the uninitiated must have looked like a major medical incident. One of the dance instructors called my parents and asked if they should call 911.  My parents, used to such events, just said to “let it bleed until it stops.” As the nosebleeds became more frequent and disruptive, I finally underwent a procedure where a doctor cauterized several blood vessels in my nasal cavity. For a number of years that stopped my nosebleeds completely. Then, a few months ago, they came back. Friday night, I was in the middle of a flight to visit friends and my nose started bleeding, requiring a rush to the airplane bathroom. I feel like I have gone back in time and am once again walking around in fear of a nosebleed starting at any time. I guess it is time to go back to the doctor and see if another round of cauterization is in order.

    In the scheme of all potential health ailments, nose bleeds are dramatic looking, but in reality are pretty minor.  There is no “American Nosebleed Society” or similar organizations. I did feel like I had company when I read an article last week saying that students in California were complaining of nose bleeds and other minor ailments because schools were cutting back on air conditioning to save energy. I do not wish anyone harm, but it is nice to hear that I am not alone.  

Have you ever gotten a nosebleed?