Nosebleeds

[FL_F/A]

I started having nosebleeds after I've been flying 2-3 days in a row. They usually show up in the mornings. I've been to an ENT specialist, but after taking a CT scan, he told me that he couldn't find any reason for them. What do you think causes them and should I be alarmed? The last nosebleed had a small clot in it. Thank you. b images/icons/confused.gif

[DR_HALE]

Thin blood is often the cause of nose bleeding. I trust the ENT Doc checked for blood thining meds or similar herbal preparations. Since this is a new problem, you should see as many physicians as it takes to establish the cause.
If it were me, I would see a board certified Internist next.

[FL_F/A]

Actually, no, he didn't. He didn't ask me hardly any questions. He packed my nose w/a decongestent (don't know what THAT was for) and then told me to call him if I had another nosebleed.

I do think that your reply is sound advice. I can't afford to have my nose fire up on a flight (or any other time, for that matter). I will have my PCP recommend one (my PCP is very good about referring).

Thank you for your reply, Dr. Hale. I will keep you posted. graemlins/plane_smilie.gif

i find when i work on a 777 aircraft i get lots of nosebleeding .... the air is too dry other crew members complain of the same syntoms :-(

[Coffee_or_Tea?]

Same here. The doctor told me that the tisue inside my nose is "atrofic" and I should use oil-drops during/after flights. When I have a little time during the flight I put hot water in a glass
with 1-2 drops of menthol oil and take deep breaths. Makes a great facial and freshens the air too... images/icons/wink.gif

But let's get serious. Go to another doctor and tell us what you found out. Good luck! images/icons/smile.gif

[Elwing]

A few years ago it turned out that I was allergic to dust. That explained why I had had problems with sinusitus and nosebleeds on flights. So I’ve noticed that best is with a sensitive nose to have pastilles for colds which keep the nose breating.

[Kestrel_909]

I am no doctor, but I also think ti would be to do with the thinner air. My nose usually gets stuffy, when I have been at cruise for sometime, and then if I blow it or there is a sudden change, it bleeds, I blame it on the quick change in form, from stuffed up to clear. Even when I turn on the air vent, cooler above my seat it doesn no good but to blow in my eyes, annoy the person beside me and block up my nose evn worse. The same thing happens with me durring the first few weeks of hay fever, the quite changes from stuffed to clear causes it to bleed.
Apart from that, if it does bleed best not to get it on your expensive uniform! images/icons/smile.gif

[sushiseal]

I've known for years that I've been allergic to dust and pollen. This together with the dry cabin air explains why I've had more sinus colds since I've started flying. Fall and winter seem to be my most vulnerable seasons. I've yet to have a nosebleed, but I figure that's only a matter of time.

I do get stuffed up on extremely long-haul flights, though. It takes a couple of days after my flights to completely recover from my symptoms.

I've actually heard that on long-haul flights, your blood thickens because of altitude. This would go a long way towards explaining "economy-class syndrome" and fatal/non-fatal blood clots. Something to keep in mind for those who do these flights often... Get plenty of rest between such flights, and take care of your health.

[skytonysfo]

I ve had nosebleeds on the airplane too! I went to see my doctor and he stuck a swab with medicine that burned the inside of my nose. The procedure was painless however it left black marks in my nostrils, it kind of looked like I had been snorting ash but i goes away like in two days. I didnt have a nose bleed for about four years.
I had one recently about two months ago after my crew break in the 747-400 crew loft. I attribute it to the dry air up there, so I have been using saline spray during the flight. I havent had a nose bleed since. Also some nasal decongestant can promote nose bleeds too. I know when I took flonase, it seemed to make the problem worse.
Take care!

[aftgalley]

Try a little vaseline in each nostril. Works like a charm!