Click here to go back to the home pageNose bleeding, or Epistaxis (as it is known in the medical community), is a very common problem across much of North America. Nose bleeds are typically caused by the drying of the nasal membranes, allergies, or a physical injury, and are particularly frequent among children. The nose is very rich in blood vessels and is situated in a position on the face that makes it vulnerable to physical injury. Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out, crust, and crack. This is common in dry climates, or during the winter months when the air is dry and warm from household heaters, especially forced air furnaces, and gas, pellet, or wood-burning stoves. A cold or allergy can causes swelling and irritation inside the nose and may also lead to spontaneous bleeding. Of course, in children, picking of the nose is also a frequent cause of nose bleeds. In many cases, the drying of nasal membranes and hardening of mucus in the nose creates discomfort that tends to promote this behavior in children.

The incidence of nosebleeds is higher during the colder winter months when upper respiratory infections are more frequent and the temperature and humidity outside and in the home fluctuate more dramatically. In addition, transitioning from a bitter, cold outside environment to a warm, dry, heated home results in drying and changes in the nose which will make it more susceptible to bleeding. winix air purifier modelsDuring extremely cold weather, your home loses humidity to the outdoors and may drop as low as 5%. hepa air purifier thailandBy comparison, typical humidity in the Sahara Desert is about 25%! fresh air duct cleaning columbus ohioGenerally, one does not want to have a home humidity any lower than 30%. Optimal comfort is considered to be achieved at 40-55% humidity.

Nosebleeds also occur in hot dry climates with low humidity, or when there is a change in the seasons. Among the most recommended solutions for recurrent nose bleeding is home humidification using a whole house furnace humidifier. It is generally recommended that you consider a whole house furnace humidifier as opposed to small room humidifiers since the effects of dry air in the home can cause nosebleeds throughout the day, not just while you are sleeping. In addition to moisturizing your nasal passages, a quality whole house furnace humidifier (like the Desert Spring) requires less maintenance, promotes healthier air quality (by making it less hospitable for viruses, bacteria, and many allergens), and prevents damage to your hardwood floors and furniture caused by low humidity. The following are a number of other suggestions from various health-related organizations and physicians that, when combined with proper home humidification, should reduce the incidence of nose bleeds in your family:

If you think your nose bleeds may be caused by allergies, please visit our sister site for information on the world's highest rated HEPA air cleaner, the Austin Heathmate Series. Please Note: Because persistent or recurrent nose bleeds (especially those that are deep in the nasal cavity and those that last for long periods of time) can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious medical problem, you should always consult your physician if you have a history of repeat nose bleeds. Chances are that you just need better air quality (humidification and / or air purification) in your home, but it is better to be safe when dealing with matters of this nature.Ionic Air Purifier Dangers In recent years, ionic air purifiers have become a popular home appliance. They are called ionic because they electrically charge molecules in the air. More specifically, they work by throwing off positive charges into the air, and then they attract the dirty air with negatively charged collection plates.

Although they do help to improve the overall air quality in your home by removing dirt and allergens from the air, they also can cause potential harm, because even the most expensive ionic air purifiers produce ozone as they work. Unlike their name suggests, ionic air purifiers do not simply purify the air by reducing airborne pollutants in your home. According to a 2005 study by Consumer Reports, they also release potentially harmful levels of ozone into the air. Because ionic air purifiers emit ozone into the air, they can cause potential harm to your body. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ozone is toxic in high levels and can also damage your lungs and respiratory tract. Before buying an ionic air purifier, you will need to ensure that your home is properly ventilated so that the ozone does not build up. With proper ventilation, the ozone can escape from your home without causing any bodily harm. In addition to ozone dangers, some ionic air purifiers also ineffectively keep the harmful air pollutants contained.

In such models, a breeze within the room or movement close to the air purifier can easily cause the dirty particles to return to the air. Be sure to buy one that has metal plates inside that hold the dirty particles in place. It is important to learn about ionic air purifier dangers because many households containing ill members have one. In particular, asthma sufferers assume that an ionic air purifier will help them to breathe better when, in reality, the ozone that is released can actually cause asthma symptoms to worsen. If you are concerned about the dangers of ionic air purifiers, you can use other means to keep the air in your home clean. A good option is to prevent the air in your home from becoming unhealthy in the first place. Rid your home of contaminant-harboring carpets, open your windows frequently, install fans in your kitchen and bathrooms to keep the air circulating, and never burn scented candles indoors. With these steps, you will be well on your way to preventing unhealthful air from pervading your home.