Do you need an ENT doctor for a nose bleed or sinusitis? Epistaxis or nose bleed is a common condition. You may develop a nose bleed due to normal or severe conditions. The nose, located in the middle of the face, contains blood vessels with high intensity. But, the nose may bleed due to severe underlying conditions as well. If you do not visit an ENT specialist in time, the consequences might be life-threatening. You may experience nose bleeds because of sinus or nasal infections, foreign obstruction, or prolonged inhalation of dry air. Vascular malformation and tumors can also cause nose bleeding.
ENT Doctor for Nose Bleed or Sinusitis: The Anatomy of a Nose Bleed
There are many blood vessels in the anterior and posterior sides of the nose. These capillaries are sensitive and can easily break. The blood will flow from one or both nostrils after a capillary break. Here are two major types of nose bleeds:
1. Anterior Nosebleed
The anterior part of your nose contains the septum. This is a wall-like soft bone that separates both nostrils. The septum is the delicate part of your nose and contains many fragile blood vessels. These vessels will easily break and cause a bleed. This type of nosebleed is not critical, and you can seek treatment at home.
2. Posterior Nosebleed
This type of bloody nose occurs deep inside the nose. If the posterior part of your nose bleeds, it is because of the larger blood vessels. This is a serious type of nosebleed and may be the result of an underlying condition.
For instance, people suffering from severe sinusitis can lead to bleeding with an extreme headache. Excessive bleeding is the obvious symptom of posterior nosebleeds. If you develop a severe nose bleed and you cannot identify the prominent cause, you need to visit an ENT specialist. If you are bleeding because of sinusitis, they will treat the condition. You can visit Ear, Nose, and Throat of New York for diagnosis and proper treatment.
What is Sinusitis?
When you visit an ENT specialist for a nosebleed, they may diagnose you with sinusitis. Sinusitis is a condition where your sinuses start to swell or inflame. There are two pairs of sinuses around the nose. These channels produce mucus. This thin mucus protects your nose from bacteria and keeps it clean. With the inflammation of the sinuses, the fluid blocks the passage. The obstruction will lead to the growth of bacteria, causing infection. If you experience frequent sinusitis, then your nosebleed may be due to inflammation of the sinuses. In this condition, you must visit an ENT specialist and seek proper treatment.
Treatment of Nose Bleeding Related to Sinusitis
If sinusitis is the underlying condition for the nosebleed, an ENT surgeon will recommend one of the following treatments:
1. Antibiotics
Many doctors prescribe antibiotics for bacterial sinus infections. In most cases, people find themselves better after consuming antibiotics. You have to take the medication for a longer period. Usually, it takes three to 28 days to recovery due to the location of the sinuses. Overuse of antibiotics can cause this severe condition. Therefore, you should only take antibiotics if you notice discolored nasal discharge. Antibiotics target bacterial infections, so you will need to also consume over-the-counter medications as well.
2. Nasal Decongestant Sprays
If your doctor notices no recovery, they will prescribe topical nasal decongestants. Don’t apply this spray for more than four to five days. The fluid will reach the infected region of the sinus and reduce the swelling. When this happens, the obstruction will drain out of the sinuses.
3. Topical Nasal Corticosteroids
Topical nasal corticosteroids are also effective in reducing swelling and inflammation of the nasal passage. When you spray the solution inside your nose, it will reach your sinuses and open the nasal flow. You can use this treatment with antibiotics for quick recovery. You can also use this spray for nasal polyps. Unlike nasal decongestant sprays, you can use this spray for a long period without developing any side effects.
4. Nasal Saline Washes
An ENT surgeon may also recommend nasal saline washes to clear the nasal passages causing sinusitis. When the thickened secretions leave the nose, it reduces the swelling of the sinuses.
5. Surgery
If none of the above treatment procedures works, the doctor may perform surgery. An ENT surgeon will perform surgeries to remove nasal polyps, opening nasal passages and sinuses. If your nose is bleeding because of sinusitis, surgery might give you some relief.
ENT Doctor for Nose Bleed or Sinusitis: Conclusion
There may be some correlation between nose bleeds and sinusitis. You can determine the actual cause of a nosebleed after visiting a professional ENT specialist. The doctor will diagnose sinusitis. If your nose bleeds due to sinusitis, treating the condition will stop the bleeding.
Do you live in NYC or the Tri-State area and need to treat your nose bleed or sinusitis? Call us now or visit our offices. Our professional and highly qualified ENT specialist will effectively treat your condition.
Michael C. Burnett, MD
115 East 57th Street
Suite 600
New York, NY 10022
212-867-4813
EarNoseThroatofNewYork.com
Sources
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/sinus-infection
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-sinusitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351661
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17701-sinusitis
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/164823#treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13464-nosebleed-epistaxis
