why does the nose of some people start bleeding at higher altitude
Answers
Hot climates with low humidity or changes from bitter cold to warm, dry climates can cause drying and cracking inside the nose, which can lead to a nosebleed. High altitude - as altitude increases, the availability of oxygen decreases, making the air thinner and drier. The dryness can cause the nose to bleed.
The medical term for a nosebleed is epistaxis. Because of the position of the nose - right in the middle of the face - and its high density of blood vessels, most of us will have had at least one nosebleed at some time during our lives.
Although seldom a cause for alarm, nosebleeds can be life-threatening in rare cases.
Nosebleeds are most often caused by local trauma but can also be caused by foreign bodies, nasal or sinus infections, and prolonged inhalation of dry air.
Tumors and vascular malformations are also potential causes of nosebleeds, but they are rare.
Spontaneous nosebleeds are fairly common, especially in children. When the mucous membrane (a mucus-secreting tissue inside the nose) dries, crusts, or cracks and is then disturbed by nose-picking, it is likely to bleed.
Because the nose is full of blood vessels, any minor injury to the face can cause the nose to bleed profusely.
Nosebleeds are also common in people taking anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications, such as Aspirin), as well as in older people whose blood may take longer to clot. If the person taking anticoagulants, has hypertension (high blood pressure), or a blood-clotting disorder, the bleeding may be harder to stop and could last over 20 minutes.
Fast facts on nosebleeds
Here are some key points about nosebleeds. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
nosebleeds are rarely a cause for concern
most people experience at least one nosebleed during their life
they are categorized as either anterior or posterior nosebleeds
climate and altitude can cause nosebleeds to occur
certain drugs can make nosebleeds last longer