Ask Dr. Gott » nosebleeds

Allergies, nosebleeds and honey?

Dr. Gott — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:01:20 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT: I suffered from nosebleeds for years. I underwent cauterization nine times. I then found out I was allergic to cats and that my nosebleeds were how my body was reacting. I was told that nosebleeds are a rare sign of an allergic reaction.
Allergy pills helped, but I then heard that eating local honey could help. I haven’t had to take any allergy medication for several years now.
DEAR READER: Nosebleeds are most commonly due to dry air, so most often the advice from physicians is to keep the nasal passages moist by using saline sprays and using humidifiers. When these measures fail to provide relief, it is then time to look at other causes.
Allergies are a known cause of nosebleeds, but most people don’t link the two. Other causes can include colds or sinus infections, repeatedly blowing or picking the nose and, very rarely, nasal polyps or cancer.
As for your use of local honey as a treatment for your allergies, I want to caution others about this remedy. First, to the best of my knowledge, there is no scientific evidence either confirming or denying the effectiveness of this treatment. All indications are anecdotal and, as such, most of what people hear is positive because few people like to discuss bad experiences.
Second, since no studies have been done, there is no reason justifying how this therapy might work. The most popular theory is that it works as a type of immunotherapy. In this particular case, it most likely resembles desensitization injections. These shots work to build up the body’s immunity by injecting the offending allergens directly in very minute quantities, slowly increasing the amount of allergen with each subsequent shot. The process typically takes up to three months to determine effectiveness. After initial treatment, injections are often continued on a once-monthly basis for several years or even for a lifetime.
However, like the shots, honey can elicit an allergic reaction, because it contains many of the same pollens, fungi, etc., that are present in the environment in which bees live. So, while there is no hard proof that honey therapy for allergies works, there are plenty of people who swear by the treatment.
My advice to anyone interested in considering this therapy is to do so only under strict physician supervision, particularly if the allergies are severe. In this way, treatment can be monitored, and any adverse reactions can be handled appropriately to prevent potentially life-threatening consequences.
As an aside, honey is known to be beneficial in speeding the healing process of burns and lacerations and is just as effective in soothing coughs in children and adults as are cough syrups. Some of my readers have even used it successfully to treat eczema and minor skin irritations. Remember that children younger than a year old should never be given honey because it is a known source of bacterial spores that produce Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These bacteria produce a toxin that can cause a form of food poisoning known as infant botulism. It is prudent to give honey only to children over the age of 2 to allow their systems more time to develop.
To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Allergies,” “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order per request to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

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Dr. Gott — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:00:05 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My son suffers from nosebleeds. I’d like to know if there is something he can do for the problem.

DEAR READER:
Nosebleeds (epistaxis) can be caused by infection, sinusitis, rhinitis, dry winter weather, and foreign bodies that have been inserted into the nose. The latter is quite common with young children. Individuals on certain medications such as Coumadin, aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs are susceptible. Alcohol abuse, hypertension, and several other medical conditions can contribute to repeated bouts.

Your son should be seen by his physician to detect a possible underlying cause. If his physician doesn’t feel comfortable with this, he should be seen by an otolaryngologist, a specialist in the field of ear, nose and throat disorders.

Home treatment for simple cases involves pinching the lower portion of the nostrils together with the head held back for up to ten minutes. If that fails, it may be necessary to pack the nose with an absorbent material such as a rolled gauze pad for up to ten minutes. If this also fails and the bleeding is profuse, he should seek professional help through a local emergency room or clinic.

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Dr. Gott — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 05:00:05 +0000

DEAR DR. GOTT:
When I take a childrens’ aspirin (81 mg), I always get a nose bleed.

Does this mean that I am allergic to aspirin? Where else would I be bleeding from?

DEAR READER:
I don’t believe you’re allergic to aspirin. I believe you are just sensitive to aspirin’s ability to slow blood clotting. Another possible bleeding site is the GI tract (stomach, intestine, etc.).

I suggest you reduce your dosage or stop it all together. You do not say why you take it. If you are using it for its pain relieving properties, I recommend ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). I also urge you to speak to your primary care physician about the bleeding tendency and request a referral to a hematologist (blood specialist) who can test your for possible clotting disorders.

As an aside, “childrens’ aspirin” or “baby aspirin” are just low dose (81 mg) aspirin. DO NOT give 81 mg aspirin to babies, toddlers or children unless specifically advised by a pediatrician.