Vì sao chảy máu mũi lại gọi là chảy máu cam?

In folk medicine, nosebleeds are often called epistaxis, a condition related to "lung heat and blood heat" damaging the nasal mucosa.

The phenomenon of nosebleeds is commonly referred to as "epistaxis." However, not everyone knows the origin of this term.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Nguyen Bien Thuy explains that, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the nose is an organ of the upper respiratory tract and is directly related to the lung meridian – the function of the lungs in the body. When the body experiences "lung heat," meaning the lungs are overheated, the mucous membranes in the nasal area can dilate, making small blood vessels more susceptible to damage and bleeding.

In addition, Traditional Chinese Medicine also mentions "blood heat." This is a condition where the body is dry and hot, and bodily fluids are depleted, making blood vessels more fragile. When blood heat and lung heat "open up" in the nasal area – where there are many capillaries – it causes nosebleeds.

This dry, hot, and congested state is commonly referred to as "orange" in folk terminology. Therefore, nosebleeds in many cases are called "epistaxis" or "nosebleeds."

Causes of Nosebleeds

Most cases stem from simple causes such as dry weather, nose picking, rhinitis, sinusitis, or minor trauma.

Why are nosebleeds called epistaxis?

When the weather is dry or the temperature changes suddenly, the nasal mucosa easily dries out and cracks, causing the small capillaries in the nose to rupture. Children are particularly susceptible to this due to their thin nasal mucosa and the habit of putting their hands in their noses.

In addition, other factors can also cause nosebleeds, such as allergies, upper respiratory infections, high blood pressure, or the use of certain blood-thinning medications.

When should you see a doctor if you have a nosebleed?

Experts say that most cases of nosebleeds are not dangerous and can stop on their own within a few minutes if treated correctly. However, if this occurs frequently or persists, the patient should see a doctor to determine the cause.

Particular attention should be paid if nosebleeds are accompanied by symptoms such as heavy bleeding, difficulty stopping bleeding, dizziness, fatigue, or frequent recurrences in a short period.

These could be warning signs of underlying conditions such as blood clotting disorders, blood disorders, or deep tissue damage in the nasal cavity.

Doctors recommend that to reduce nosebleeds, people should keep their nasal mucosa moist, drink enough water, avoid picking their nose, and avoid irritants such as dust, smoke, and excessively dry air.

If a nosebleed occurs, remain calm, sit upright, slightly tilt your head forward, and pinch both nostrils for about 5-10 minutes to help stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, the patient should go to a medical facility for examination and timely treatment.

Mistakes to Avoid When Providing First Aid for Nosebleeds

Do not stuff your nose with tissues, cotton, or gauze: Doctors do not recommend this, as the sterility of all common materials cannot be guaranteed, especially those that come into direct contact with the nasal mucosa. Unclean tools can easily cause infection, potentially worsening the nosebleed.

Do not tilt your head back or lie flat: This is completely wrong and can have serious health consequences. Tilting your head back during a nosebleed can cause blood to flow back down your throat, potentially leading to choking. If swallowed, nosebleed blood can cause nausea and vomiting.

Do not lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous physical activity. It can take up to two weeks for a nosebleed to heal.

Regularly using saline nasal drops: Applying saline solution to the nasal mucosa is not a long-term solution, as it only provides temporary moistening and will eventually dry out the nose. Even using a humidifier is only a temporary solution. Drinking enough water and eating plenty of green vegetables and fruits to supplement fiber, along with other supportive measures, will help prevent nosebleeds.