It was a typical morning. My mother was getting ready; this was her usual routine: bustling around the house. When she suddenly stopped and shouted, blood was oozing from her nose. As kids, my siblings and I were terrified. We scrambled to help, but it wasn't until later that we learned the cause of that alarming moment: high blood pressure. That day was our first lesson in the silent yet powerful effects of hypertension. Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are common, and nearly everyone experiences at least one in their lifetime.

While most are minor and often caused by dry air or irritation, some can signal underlying health concerns. One recurring question is whether high blood pressure causes nosebleeds or is merely coincidental.

Where Exactly Does a Nosebleed Occur?

The nose is covered by a rich plexus of small blood vessels, making it prone to bleeding. Most nosebleeds are anterior in origin, occurring at the front of the nose, and are relatively benign. They often occur because of irritants such as dry air, frequent nose-blowing, or trauma.

On the other hand, posterior nosebleeds are caused by a source that is located deeper within the nasal cavity. They are less common but more severe, as the blood tends to flow backward into the throat, making them more difficult to control. Common causes of posterior nosebleeds include trauma, medical conditions, or high blood pressure.

Connection Between Nosebleeds and High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is the condition whereby the pressure of blood against the arterial walls is consistently too high. Over time, this may damage the fine blood vessels in the nose, causing them to rupture more easily.

Significant studies have shown a strong relationship between hypertension and severe cases of nosebleeds necessitating urgent care. A certain study showed that patients diagnosed with high blood pressure had 2.7-fold increased chances of having nosebleeds that were not slight.

However, it should be noted that mild hypertension by itself does not cause nosebleeds. Nosebleeds are more likely to happen during a hypertensive crisis when the blood pressure suddenly rises to above 180/120. A hypertensive crisis can also have other symptoms such as a severe headache, shortness of breath, and anxiety. Therefore, it is considered a medical emergency.

Why Does Hypertension Increase the Risk?

Chronic hypertension makes the walls of blood vessels weaker and less elastic, which easily causes them to tear. In the nose, this is especially vulnerable because the blood vessels are close to the surface. Sudden surges in blood pressure, such as in a hypertensive crisis, can cause tears in these weakened vessels, resulting in nosebleeds.

While hypertension is a contributing cause, nosebleeds occur infrequently as the only manifestation of high blood pressure. This makes regular monitoring for blood pressure all the more crucial, as hypertension has the reputation of being the "silent killer" since people often do not present symptoms until the disease has run its course.

Other Causes of Nosebleeds

• Dry Air: Cold weather or house heating dries out membranes that line the nose, hence susceptible to cracking.
• Trauma: Blows in the nose, nose picking or excessive nose blowing can traumatize blood vessels.
• Intrinsic Disease: Liver disease and kidney disease and drug therapy that affect clotting such as blood thinners enhance the risk of nose bleeding.
• Foreign Bodies: Children especially tend to insert objects up their noses, which can be irritating and bleed.
• Allergies or Infections: Chronic nasal inflammation resulting from allergies or colds causes irritation to the nasal mucosa.

Managing Nosebleeds at Home

For most nosebleeds, you can manage them yourself at home:

1. Sit up and lean slightly forward to prevent swallowing blood.

2. Press your nostrils together for at least 10 minutes.

3. Use a cold compress on the bridge of your nose to constrict blood vessels.

4. If the bleeding continues, use a nasal decongestant spray.

Consult a doctor if the bleeding persists beyond 20 minutes, is heavy, or follows a head injury.

Preventing Nosebleeds

Preventive measures can decrease the incidence of nosebleeds:

• Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air.
• Apply saline sprays or gels to keep nasal passages hydrated.
• Avoid nasal trauma by being gentle when blowing your nose.

For patients with hypertension, managing blood pressure is the best way to minimize the risk of complications. A combination of lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and prescribed medications, can help keep blood pressure in check.

When to Worry About Nosebleeds

Most nosebleeds are harmless, but they can sometimes be signs of an underlying health condition. In adults with high blood pressure, frequent or severe nosebleeds should never be ignored. A health provider should be consulted in order to rule out any serious conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.

Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and awareness about the relationship between nosebleeds and high blood pressure would go a long way to protect your health. Indeed, prevention is always better than cure.

Epistaxis and hypertension. Post Graduate Medical Journal. 1977

Preparing for parenthood is not just about a woman's health. A simple fertility health check can help men understand their reproductive health, identify potential issues early, and improve their chances of starting a healthy family. Here, the expert tells men about the vital tests they should get done if they want to embrace fatherhood.

In an interview with Health and Me, Dr. Mrunalini Jagne (Ahire), Fertility Consultant and IVF Specialist at Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, listed the most important fertility checks for men, and how they can go a long way in improving quality of life.

When couples plan for a baby, most of the focus is often on the mother’s well-being. However, understand that a father's health also plays an equally important role in conception and pregnancy outcomes. Are you aware? Factors such as age, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, stress, and nutrition can affect sperm quality and fertility. So, men who are planning to become fathers should consider a preconception fertility assessment to ensure they are in the best possible health before trying to conceive. Men shouldn’t miss the following fertility checks.

Fertility tests that men must go for

Semen analysis: A semen analysis is usually the first and most important fertility test for men. It helps to assess:

1. Sperm count (number of sperm)
2. Sperm movement (motility)
3. Sperm shape (morphology)
4. Semen volume

This test helps identify whether there are any issues that could make conception more difficult.

Hormone testing: Hormones play a major role in sperm production. Blood tests may be recommended to check levels of:

1. Testosterone
2. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
3. Luteinising Hormone (LH)
4. Thyroid hormones

Hormonal imbalances can affect fertility and may require treatment.

Lifestyle check: Many everyday habits can influence sperm health. During a fertility evaluation, doctors may assess:

1. Smoking and tobacco use
2. Alcohol consumption
3. Diet and nutrition
4. Exercise habits
5. Stress levels
6. Sleep quality

Making positive lifestyle changes can help improve fertility.

Medical and family history review: Certain health conditions can affect reproductive health. The expert may ask about:

1. Diabetes
2. Thyroid disorders
3. Previous infections
4. Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
5. Previous surgeries
6. Family history of fertility problems

If any problems are detected, the doctor will decide the line of treatment for you.

General health screening: Overall health is closely linked to fertility. Screening for obesity, high blood pressure, vitamin deficiencies, and other health concerns can help improve both fertility and long-term well-being.

Simple tests such as semen analysis, hormone evaluation, lifestyle assessment, and general health screening can improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby. Therefore, men should take these tests without wasting any further time and stay updated regarding their fertility health.

A new botulism outbreak in the United States linked to the now-recalled Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic powdered infant formula has led to hospitalization of at least three infants in three states, according to a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The affected infants, aged between 2 and 5 months, are from California, Pennsylvania, and Washington state. All three have been hospitalized and are receiving treatment for infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

The CDC noted that on June 13, Nara Organics recalled all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula products, including all lot numbers and both can sizes. The products were sold online and at major retailers nationwide.

“Testing of opened cans of Nara Organics brand formula and unopened Nara Organics product samples is underway, and results are expected in the coming weeks,” the CDC said.

This is the second recent outbreak of infant botulism linked to powdered formula. Earlier this year, investigators from the California Department of Public Health, working with federal officials and other state health departments, identified 51 suspected or confirmed cases of infant botulism across 19 states between March 2022 and December 2025. Those infants had consumed ByHeart infant formula.

What Parents And Caregivers Should Do

Also read: Why Sleeping Pill Addiction Is Common Among Football Players

The CDC has urged parents and caregivers to immediately stop using any Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula.

If you have unopened cans of the recalled formula, throw them away or return them. Parents should also wash any items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the formula with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher.

Seek immediate medical attention if your infant consumed the recalled formula and develops any of the following symptoms:

• Poor feeding
• Loss of head control
• Difficulty swallowing
• Decreased facial expression

Symptoms of infant botulism can take several weeks to appear. Parents whose infants consumed the recalled formula should monitor them for symptoms for up to one month after their last exposure.

What Is Botulism?

Read More: Introducing Eggs Before Age One May Lower Allergy Risk by 17%: Study

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin attacks the nervous system and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

Botulism is considered a medical emergency because it can cause paralysis and breathing difficulties.

Types of Botulism

There are several forms of botulism, including:

• Foodborne botulism
• Wound botulism
• Iatrogenic botulism
• Inhalation botulism
• Infant botulism

Infant botulism is the most common form in babies between 2 and 8 months old. It occurs when Clostridium botulinum spores grow in a baby's intestines and produce toxin. Honey and contaminated soil are known sources of exposure.

Symptoms of Infant Botulism

Symptoms typically begin 18 to 36 hours after exposure and may include:

• Constipation is often the first sign
• Weak or floppy movements
• Weak cry
• Drooling
• Drooping eyelids
• Difficulty feeding or sucking
• Progressive paralysis

Infant botulism often begins with constipation but is usually first recognized through feeding difficulties, a weak or altered cry, and poor head control.

If left untreated, the illness can progress to severe paralysis, breathing difficulties, and prolonged hospitalization.

Blood disorders are often misunderstood; many people think that all serious blood-related conditions are a form of cancer. This misunderstanding is particularly common when it comes to sickle cell disease. Both sickle cell disease and blood cancers affect blood cells and can lead to significant health complications, but they are fundamentally different, with distinct causes, treatment approaches, and long-term outcomes. Understanding these differences is important not only for patients and their families but also for awareness and ensuring timely medical care.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited genetic disorder that develops in a person who inherits abnormal hemoglobin genes from both parents. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that become rigid and crescent or "sickle" shaped instead of their normal round structure. These abnormal cells can block blood vessels, reduce oxygen delivery to tissues, and break down more rapidly than healthy red blood cells. As a result, patients may experience chronic anemia, episodes of severe pain, recurrent infections, organ damage, and other complications.

How Blood Cancers Differ From Sickle Cell Disease

Blood cancers are cancers that originate in the blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow and lymphatic system. The most common types include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Unlike sickle cell disease, blood cancers are generally not inherited and are caused by DNA mutations that occur during a person's lifetime. These mutations cause abnormal blood cells to grow, crowding out healthy cells and interfering with the body's ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, or control bleeding.

The two conditions are different, but some symptoms may overlap. For instance, tiredness, weakness, recurrent infections, and anemia can occur in both sickle cell disease and certain blood cancers. However, the underlying reasons are entirely different. In sickle cell disease, symptoms arise because of abnormal hemoglobin and sickling of red blood cells. In blood cancers, symptoms result from the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells within the bone marrow or lymphatic system.

Difference in Diagnosis And Treatment

Diagnoses for both diseases differ. Sickle cell disease is usually identified through specialized blood tests that detect abnormal hemoglobin. In many cases, it can be diagnosed early in childhood. Blood cancers require a combination of blood investigations, bone marrow examinations, imaging studies, and specialized laboratory tests to establish the diagnosis and determine the specific cancer subtype.

The treatment approaches for these disorders reflect these differences. Management of sickle cell disease focuses on preventing complications, controlling symptoms, reducing pain crises, preventing infections, and improving quality of life. Certain patients may benefit from advanced therapies, including stem cell transplantation and emerging gene-based treatments.

Why Awareness Matters

Blood cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of disease and may require chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, radiation therapy, or newer cellular therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy. The treatment plan is individual-based, depending on factors such as the specific cancer subtype, disease burden, patient age, pre-existing conditions, and overall health.

While medical advances are transforming outcomes for both conditions, improved screening infrastructure and programs, better care, advances in transplantation, targeted therapies and innovative cellular treatments are helping patients live longer and healthier than ever before. That said, awareness remains the first step towards better outcomes. Knowing the differences between sickle cell disease and blood cancers can help reduce confusion, support early diagnosis, and timely intervention.

(By Dr. Narendra Agrawal, Sr. Consultant – Hemato Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), New Delhi)