Epistaxis occurs inside the nose. It is characterized by blood flow caused by the presence of lesions to the mucous membrane. The blood automatically drains out when the individual blows his or her nose or sneezes. Other factors such as changes in atmospheric pressure can also cause epistaxis.
Epistaxis is frequent nasal bleeding that especially affects children. Indeed, the mucous membrane of the nose is exposed to bleeding because it is highly vascularized. Among children, it can be caused by simply putting their fingers in the nasal cavity. Epistaxis may stem form other indirect causes such as the presence of certain diseases like infections or tumours. Taking certain drugs like aspirin, trauma, pregnancy and the premenstrual period are all indirect factors that can trigger epistaxis.
Epistaxis is manifested by a sudden nosebleed. The blood comes from a haemorrhage that occurs around Kiesselbach’s plexus. The epistaxis may be benign and mainly affects young individuals, in which case the bleeding is usually mild and does not have any dangerous consequences. Severe epistaxis is characterized by substantial bleeding and manifests itself by signs of haemorrhagic shock, such as discomfort or tachycardia for example. Intense thirst or capillary refill greater than 3 seconds are also symptoms of severe epistaxis.
Using China officinalis helps to relieve epistaxis. If one suffers from headaches and large blood clots, it is advisable to take 3 granules of China 4 CH every hour. Continue the treatment by taking 3 granules of China 9 CH or 12 CH after an hour. Taking 3 grams of Phosphorus 5 CH every 10 minutes should also lead to good results. If the discharge is dark-coloured and stringy, take some Crocus sativus. If, however, the haemorrhage is bright-coloured and the blood is shiny and freely flowing, treat the condition with Millefolium 4 or 5 CH. When the blood is black and foul-smelling, use Crotalus 5 CH.
If the blood flow is caused by trauma (shock), administer a dose of China 9 CH followed by a dose of Arnica 9 CH. You can choose to continue treatment by taking Arnica 5 CH (5 grams) and Millefolium (5 granules) alternately every 10 minutes. This treatment should last for at least one hour. Taking Ferrum phosphoricum helps to relieve epistaxis that is accompanied by fever. For additional help, take 5 granules of China Rubra 9 CH every 10 minutes during one hour. Taking 5 granules of Phosphorus 9 CH every 10 minutes for an hour also produces good results. In case of recurrent epistaxis, it is advisable to treat preventively by taking a weekly dose of Phosphorus 9 CH over a 3-month period. If the blood flow is caused by trauma (shock), administer a dose of China 9 CH, followed by a dose of Arnica 9 CH. You can choose to continue treatment by taking Arnica 5 CH (5 grams) and Millefolium (5 granules) alternately every 10 minutes. This treatment should last for at least one hour.
Be sure to seek medical attention in case any of the following symptoms occur. The blood flow is significant and it is impossible to stop it. Epistaxis is accompanied by headaches and facial pallor. Medical gauze plugging is also essential in case the bleeding stops but resumes after a certain lapse of time. The subjects who are treated with an anticoagulant and those who suffer from hypertension should also see the doctor at the onset of the first symptoms.
• Aconitum Napellus
• Ammonium Carbonicum
• Arnica Montana
• China Rubra
• Ferrum Phosphoricum
• Millefolium
• Phosphorus
• High blood pressure
Good to know: Using mother tinctures as part of a homoeopathic treatment to cure epistaxis also produces good results. For example Equisetum arvense, which is horsetail, is an excellent haemostatic remedy. It is recommended to administer 50 drops 4 times a day during the attacks.
