A posterior nosebleed originates from the back of the nose and can cause blood to rush down the throat. It requires medical attention and is caused by trauma, medical conditions, exposure to chemicals, dry weather, nose surgery, and certain medications. Treatment involves a procedure called nasal packing, which involves inserting a type of packing into the nose and inflating it to apply pressure to the bleeding area. Pain medication or sedatives might accompany the treatment. If the condition does not respond to nasal packing, surgery is the next step in treatment.
A posterior nosebleed is a condition where the bleeding starts from the back of the nose. This is one of two types of nosebleeds, with the other being the more common anterior nosebleed that starts in the front of the nose. As a condition that originates deep and high in the nose, a posterior nosebleed causes blood to rush down the back of the mouth and throat. Also, if the affected person leans forward, they will find that, like an anterior nosebleed, blood may also ooze from the nostrils. This type of nosebleed requires medical attention as it can be serious and prove difficult to treat.
Most commonly, a posterior nosebleed occurs in the elderly, although anyone can experience this condition due to a variety of causes. For example, this type of nosebleed can occur from trauma, such as a blow to the face or nose, as well as a fall. Medical conditions that can cause the condition include blood clotting disorders, calcium deficiency, and hardened arteries, as well as high blood pressure, leukemia, and cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals, dry weather, and nose surgery are other potential causes of posterior nosebleeds. Additionally, some types of medications can also cause the condition, including aspirin, blood thinners, and arthritis medications.
In some cases, a posterior nosebleed might go away on its own, but usually the condition requires medical attention. Unlike an anterior nosebleed, where home care is usually sufficient to treat the condition, treatment for a posterior nosebleed involves a procedure called a nasal packing. In general, the procedure involves inserting a type of packing, such as a nasal balloon, into your nose and then inflating it to apply pressure to the bleeding area. The purpose of the inflation is to promote blood clotting, which will stop the bleeding.
Because nasal packing can be an uncomfortable experience, pain medication or sedatives might accompany the treatment. The treatment itself usually lasts between 48 and 72 hours, depending on the severity of the condition and what caused the condition. Since nasal packing can cause complications, such as respiratory problems or infections, monitoring the treatment process is important for the affected person in case further treatment measures are needed. If the condition does not respond to nasal packing and the bleeding continues to flow, the next step in treatment is surgery.
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