Winter is dry, and your nose is scabbing and bleeding again? Don't panic, experts will teach you how to deal with it

In winter, the climate often becomes dry and cold, and many people will suffer from the trouble of nose scabs and bleeding. This seemingly small problem may bring inconvenience to our lives and even make people worry about their health. So, when the nose scabs and bleeds again, how should we deal with it? Experts from Xiangdong Hospital Affiliated to Hunan Normal University will give you popular science~

1. Causes of scab bleeding

The climate is dry in winter, and the moisture content in the air is greatly reduced. As the first portal of breathing, the nasal cavity is in direct contact with the outside air, and the moisture content of its mucous membrane is easily affected.

Dry air will cause the moisture on the surface of the nasal mucosa to evaporate quickly, causing the mucosa to dry out and lose elasticity. The capillaries under the mucosa also become fragile due to the loss of mucosal protection. Slight stimulation, such as blowing your nose or sneezing, may cause them to rupture and bleed, and then the blood will coagulate to form scabs, further aggravating the discomfort in the nasal cavity.

2. Countermeasures

1. Humidification environment

Using a humidifier is an effective way to relieve indoor dryness. Maintaining the indoor humidity between 40% and 60% can provide a relatively moist air environment for the nasal cavity and reduce the loss of water from the mucous membrane. In addition, you can also place a basin of water or hang a wet towel in the room to increase the air humidity.

2. Nasal care

(1) Nasal irrigation: Use physiological saline or physiological seawater to rinse the nasal cavity, which can remove scabs, secretions and allergens in the nasal cavity, keep the nasal cavity clean, and moisturize the nasal mucosa. It can be performed 1-2 times a day. Pay attention to the posture and strength during the operation to avoid damaging the nasal cavity.

(2) Apply ointment: Apply an appropriate amount of vaseline, erythromycin eye ointment, etc. in the nasal cavity to form a protective film, lock the moisture of the nasal mucosa, and prevent dryness and scabbing. However, be careful not to apply too much, so as not to affect breathing.

3. Adjust your lifestyle

(1) Drink plenty of water: Adequate water intake helps maintain the body's water balance and keeps the nasal mucosa moist. It is recommended to drink 1500-2000 ml of water every day.

(2) Avoid adverse stimulation: Do not pick your nose frequently or blow your nose hard to avoid damaging the nasal mucosa. Wear a mask when going out to reduce the direct stimulation of cold air to the nasal cavity.

4. Diet adjustment

Eat more foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, such as carrots, oranges, nuts, etc. These vitamins have antioxidant effects, can enhance the resistance of the nasal mucosa, and promote mucosal repair. In addition, appropriately increasing foods rich in collagen, such as pig's trotters, fish skin, etc., helps maintain the elasticity and toughness of the mucosa.

3. Medical Treatment Guide

If the symptoms of dry nose, scabby nose, and bleeding persist, or are accompanied by nasal congestion, headache, loss of smell, etc., seek medical attention promptly.

Although the dry climate in winter poses challenges to the nose, as long as we take scientific and reasonable measures, we can effectively protect the health of the nasal cavity and allow the nose to breathe freely in the cold season.

Source: Publicity and Legal Affairs Department of Xiangdong Hospital Affiliated to Hunan Normal University

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(Edited by YT)