Persistent Nosebleeds After Cauterization
My mother, aged 60, has been experiencing nosebleeds for the past two decades, typically resolving within an hour. However, the last few instances have been unusually prolonged. She recently underwent cauterization three times within this year alone, and unfortunately, her condition seems to have deteriorated. Now, blood is also emerging from her opposite nostril and her ear. Despite the doctor applying nasal packing, the bleeding continues internally, and she is enduring significant pressure in her ear and head. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions or advice on this matter, as we are quite concerned.
Answers (1)
8/27/2025, 12:53:19 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's situation; it sounds quite distressing and understandably worrying for you. Given her history of persistent nosebleeds, recent cauterizations, and the new symptoms of bleeding from the opposite nostril and ear, it's important to address this carefully.
Main Points:
- Ongoing or worsening nosebleeds after cauterization can indicate an underlying issue.
- Symptoms like ear pressure and bleeding from the ear might suggest that more is happening than just nasal issues.
Explanation:
Nosebleeds can be caused by several factors, including dry air, nasal trauma, or underlying medical conditions. Cauterization is often done to seal off blood vessels, but in some cases, it may not resolve the issue or it can lead to complications, such as new bleeding sites. Additionally, the bleeding from the ear and pressure in her head could signal a connection with her nasal issues or could indicate a separate problem that needs further evaluation.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of her symptoms, noting the frequency, duration, and any other associated symptoms (like headaches or changes in hearing).
-
Manage Environment: Ensure that the air in her home is humidified to prevent dryness, which can worsen nosebleeds. Consider using saline nasal sprays to keep her nasal passages moist.
-
Avoid Irritants: Encourage her to avoid nasal irritants (like smoking or strong odors) which can aggravate the nasal passages.
-
Seek Urgent Care: Given the worsening symptoms and particularly the new bleeding from her ear, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. Describe all symptoms clearly to her healthcare provider, including the history of nosebleeds and any other recent changes.
-
Consider Follow-Up Tests: If bleedings persist, ask the doctor about potential follow-up tests. These could include blood tests to check for clotting disorders, imaging studies (like a CT scan) to assess the nasal and sinus structures, or referrals to specialists such as an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor.
Taking these steps can help manage her symptoms and provide clarity on her condition. I hope she finds relief soon, and please let me know if you have further questions or need more assistance.
Related Questions
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.
Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight
As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?