Nosebleed from the Back of the Nose
Recently, I battled through a cold and found myself blowing my nose frequently. To mitigate my tendency for nosebleeds, I applied Mupirocin internally. Historically, I often experienced nosebleeds, especially during my prolonged use of ibuprofen prior to my SLE diagnosis. Earlier today, I took a naproxen pill, as suggested by my rheumatologist for pain relief. However, just two hours later, I was shocked to find myself leaning over the sink for nearly 45 minutes, with blood pouring from both nostrils and trickling down my throat. Despite my attempts to apply pressure, the bleeding would not cease. I applied an ice pack to my forehead while continuing to press, and eventually, the bleeding slowed down and started to clot. Should I inform my rheumatologist or my primary care physician about this incident? I've never had such a severe nosebleed associated with NSAIDs before. Aside from that, I feel completely fine now.
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 3:10:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned after experiencing a severe nosebleed, especially following your history with them and recent use of NSAIDs like naproxen. Let's break down the situation and figure out the best steps to take moving forward.
Main Points:
- You've experienced a significant nosebleed, which can be concerning, especially after recent cold symptoms and NSAID use.
- Monitoring your symptoms and notifying your healthcare providers is important.
Explanation:
Nosebleeds (epistaxis) can be triggered by various factors including dry air, frequent nose blowing, and certain medications like NSAIDs, which can sometimes affect blood clotting. Given your recent cold and the use of naproxen, it’s plausible that these may have contributed to the bleeding episode. The fact that the bleeding eventually slowed and clotted is a positive sign, but your experience warrants further attention since this was more severe than what you're used to.
Next Steps:
- Monitor & Record Symptoms: For the next few days, keep track of any additional nosebleeds, their frequency, and any associated symptoms (like pain, coughing, or other bleeding issues).
- Hydrate & Use Nasal Saline Spray: Keep your nasal passages moist with saline sprays or humidifiers to prevent future nosebleeds.
- Notify Your Rheumatologist and Primary Care Physician: It's important to inform both your rheumatologist and primary care provider about this incident, giving them specific details about the timing related to the naproxen and your history with nosebleeds. They can provide further guidance and assess if any medication adjustments are necessary.
- Consider Avoiding Certain Medications: Discuss with your healthcare providers about potentially avoiding NSAIDs if they have been linked to your nosebleeds, especially considering your history and current health conditions.
If you experience another severe nosebleed, or if the bleeding does not stop after 10-15 minutes of applying pressure, it's recommended you seek medical attention promptly.
Remember, your health matters, and staying proactive is the best way to manage your situation. Let me know if you have more questions or need additional support!
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