Reasons of Blood Clotting and Nose Bleeding

Blood clotting is the body's way of stopping blood loss. When one gets a cut on the body with a knife or any other sharp object, blood vessels break and blood flows out. These blood vessels could either be an artery or a vein. If an artery has been cut, blood flows out stronger and faster as the pressure comes directly from the heart but if it's a vein then blood spills out slower. The human nose is one of the few parts of our body that has many nerves and blood vessels. It is exposed to dirt and pollutants that's why it produces mucus to filter these pollutants before they reach the airways and the lungs.

A minor cut is forms something like a knot around it. The blood gets exposed to the air so it gets thick and dries up. This has a double purpose, the knot traps blood cells from leaking out and at the same time it also prevents other particles from blending into the bloodstream. Nose bleeding that lasts for minutes can be caused by something more than booger scooping. The reason it bleeds is because blood vessels inside have ruptured through broken skin. Dryness inside may cause the skin to break.

The blood clot is made up of platelets that wound up with a knot of fibrin. If the blood clots inside the body then it is dangerous and needs a doctor's serious attention. Blood is composed of red cells, white cells and plasma. Plasma is almost entirely made up of 95% water and the rest is made up of salts and other dissolved substances.

Nose injury can be caused by a lot of factors including nasal swelling from colds and allergies like rhinitis. The coldness in the air during winter may also dry up the mucus lining in the nasal airway. Small kids might stick up small objects up in their nose while older people may be having infections, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders and they may be taking drugs that interfere with blood clotting.

During the chemical process of blood clotting, the damaged blood vessels secrete an enzyme called thrombokinase. This act on a protein found in the blood stream and turns it into thrombin. This cannot occur without calcium ions. Thrombin makes a mesh around the cut and there are also traces of minerals and vitamins around the wound especially vitamin K.

If one gets a nosebleed, the method for stopping is to sit down and lean slightly forward. Keeping head above the heart will make the nose bleed less. By leaning forward, the blood will drain out of the nose instead of down the back of the throat. In case it one leans back, the blood might be swallowed. This can result nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Thumb and index finger can be used to squeeze together the soft portion of your nose. However, if the bleeding does not stop on its own or with pressure applied, then the doctor has to be consulted.

A blood clot can be harmful if it blocks the blood flow in the vein or artery. This blockage is called thrombus and if it blocks an artery it could lead to cardiac arrest. Thrombus many times results in cancerous or downright fatal. A clot is a reminder that the body's natural defense is working well.