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

Even a mild case of COVID-19 may trigger long-lasting eye problems, with new research revealing that persistent inflammation and nerve damage could be responsible for symptoms that standard eye tests often fail to detect.

The study, led by researchers at Linköping University in Sweden and published in Nature Communications, sheds light on why some COVID-19 survivors continue to experience debilitating vision issues months or even years after infection.

The research began after people who had recovered from mild COVID-19 sought medical help for persistent eye complaints. Many reported:

• Severe eye pain
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Difficulty reading and focusing
• Extreme eye fatigue

Many participants said the condition significantly disrupted their daily lives, preventing them from working or continuing their education.

What the Study Found

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Researchers evaluated 100 people who developed eye problems after mild COVID-19 but had never been hospitalized. Their symptoms had persisted anywhere from three months to three years.

The findings were compared with those of 32 people who had recovered from mild COVID-19 without developing eye symptoms.

Using advanced imaging and laboratory techniques, researchers identified several abnormalities that conventional eye exams failed to detect.

Persistent Inflammation and Nerve Damage

The study found evidence of:

• Long-term inflammation in the eyes
• Damage to nerves controlling multiple eye functions
• Abnormal immune activity involving T cells
• Changes in proteins found in tear fluid

Lead author Petros Moustardas, senior research associate at Linköping University, said the findings indicate that COVID-19 may trigger a severe immune reaction in the eyes, resulting in chronic inflammation and nerve dysfunction.

Why Light Sensitivity Happens

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One of the most common complaints among participants was extreme sensitivity to light. Researchers found that their pupils were allowing too much light into the eyes because of impaired nerve control.

This abnormal pupil function was also associated with:

• Headaches
• Difficulty reading
• Trouble maintaining focus

An Unusual Eye Movement Disorder

The study also identified impaired coordination between the two eyes.

Some participants developed adult-onset strabismus—commonly known as crossed eyes—a condition that is rare in adults.

Researchers believe this occurred because COVID-19 affected the nerves responsible for controlling eye muscles.

A New Way to Diagnose COVID-Related Eye Problems

Because routine eye tests often miss these abnormalities, the research team developed two diagnostic models.

The first relies on specialized ophthalmic tests available at advanced eye clinics, while the second combines these examinations with tear fluid protein analysis to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Researchers hope these models will help doctors recognize COVID-related eye syndrome earlier and pave the way for future treatments.

"We found that the problems experienced by those affected were not detectable by standard tests. We had to perform specialised examinations to detect deviations. The puzzle pieces then fell into place, and we found explanations for the symptoms," said Neil Lagali, professor of experimental ophthalmology at Linköping University.

He added that while the findings provide important clues about how COVID-19 affects the eyes, more research is needed to develop effective treatments for those living with persistent vision problems.

Plant-based Vitamin D3 is often marketed as a healthier or superior alternative to traditional supplements, but doctors say that's not necessarily the case.

According to Dr. Murtaza S. Bagwala, Head of Emergency Medical Services at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, existing research shows that plant-based Vitamin D3 is just as effective as conventional Vitamin D3 in increasing the body's vitamin D levels.

"Current evidence suggests that plant-based Vitamin D3 performs similarly to conventional Vitamin D3 supplements. For people who prefer vegan or plant-based products, it is a suitable alternative," he told HealthandMe.

Echoing this view, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, said that plant-derived Vitamin D3—usually obtained from lichen, algae, or modern fermentation methods—provides an animal-free option without sacrificing effectiveness.

In a post on X, he noted that while plant-based Vitamin D3 is welcome news for vegans and those seeking cruelty-free supplements, both forms work equally well. He added that there is no medical need for people to switch if they are already taking conventional Vitamin D3 supplements.

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India has approved its first plant-based Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) ingredient, a move that could expand options for food fortification and dietary supplements while addressing the country's widespread Vitamin D deficiency.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has cleared VITADEE Green, developed by Fermenta Biotech, for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals and food products.

The company stated that the ingredient is produced using an India-patented process and offers a sustainable, scalable and vegetarian-friendly source of Vitamin D3.

The approval allows Indian manufacturers to incorporate the ingredient into fortified foods, beverages and dietary supplements.

It is particularly significant for vegetarians and vegans, who have traditionally had limited access to Vitamin D3 because most supplements are derived from lanolin, a by-product of sheep's wool.

The approval also supports India's broader efforts to improve nutrition through food fortification, an area where experts say Vitamin D remains a major gap.

What Is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

It helps the body absorb calcium, maintain healthy bones and teeth, and lowers the risk of fractures. In children, severe deficiency can lead to rickets, while in adults it increases the risk of osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and falls.

Beyond bone health, Vitamin D3 also supports immune function. Research suggests low Vitamin D levels may be associated with increased susceptibility to infections and higher levels of inflammation.

Who Should Take Vitamin D3 Supplements?

The experts said the key question is whether supplementation is needed, not whether the source is plant- or animal-derived.

"The source matters mainly for ethical, dietary or personal preference—not for efficacy," Dr. Sudhir said.

Dr. Bagwala cautioned against taking high-dose Vitamin D without medical advice, as excessive intake can raise calcium levels and increase the risk of kidney stones and other complications.

Yawning has a certain fact attached to it, which is without a doubt a reason for curiosity and amazement among people. Many of you must have noticed that when someone nearby yawns, you often end up yawning too. Even in some cases, a person yawns just after hearing the word yawn or watching someone yawn on screen.

Yawning itself is a natural physical process that involves taking a deep breath and stretching the muscles used for breathing. Some experts suggest that it may help increase alertness and leave us feeling refreshed. However, while scientists have proposed several theories about the purpose of yawning, one question continues to intrigue researchers: why are yawns so contagious?

Dr. Debanjan Pan, Consultant Psychiatrist at Saltlake Mindset, told Health and Me, "Contagious yawning may be linked to mirror neurons, which help us understand and imitate the behavior of others. Humans have survived by living in groups, and our brains are naturally wired to synchronize with the people around us. When we see someone yawn, the same neural networks in our brains may become activated, prompting us to yawn as well."

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Yawning involves taking a very deep breath, which increases oxygen intake and stimulates several parts of the respiratory system. This deep inhalation can temporarily raise the heart rate and boost blood circulation to the spinal cord and the brain, making a person feel calmer and more relaxed afterward.

According to Dr. Pan, this sense of relaxation may also explain why yawning is contagious. When we see someone else yawn, the brain's empathy circuits, particularly those linked to mirror neurons, become active. As humans are highly social beings, we often unconsciously mimic the behaviour and emotions of people around us, causing a yawn to spread from one person to another.

But there might be a question: if yawning is contagious because humans are social animals and human brains are naturally wired to synchronize with the people around them, then why doesn't coughing and sneezing have the same effect?

Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director - Pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, addressed this very issue and explained, "Yawning is different than coughing and sneezing. Coughing and sneezing are protective reflexes that protect you from irritants. They can be contagious, but that contagion comes after one or two days, not immediately as is with yawning. Yawning occurs because of the brain's automatic self-mirroring networks."

Dr. Mittal further added, "What it means is when somebody yawns, then your brain starts imitating that unintentionally. Not only yawning, but other emotions like a smile, laugh, and fear can trigger the same emotion in the people around you. This is because of the same brain's automatic self-mirroring networks."

Contagious yawning appears to be more than a simple reflex, offering insights into empathy, social bonding, and the human brain.