Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a warning to the public that nosebleeds, scientifically known as “epistaxis,” are expected to be more prevalent during hot weather due to heightened blood pressure.
“Dahil sa mainit na panahon, pwedeng dito magsimula ang bleeding,” DOH Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary and Deputy Spokesperson Albert Domingo said during the interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Saturday, April 6.
“Nangyayari ‘yan kapag ang maliliit na ugat ng dugo sa ating nasal mucosa o ang pinaka linya ng ilong sa loob ay nairita (That happens when the small blood vessels in our nasal mucosa or the inner lining of the nose become irritated),” he explained.
“Kapag ito ay nairita at pumutok dahil sa presyon ng dugo, o kaya naman minsan nakakamot o nangungulangot, ito ay nagiging maliliit na sugat at pwede itong dumugo (When it becomes irritated and bursts due to blood pressure, or sometimes from scratching or picking, it forms small wounds that can bleed),” Domingo added.
This concern arises following an incident in General Santos City, where numerous students reportedly suffered nosebleeds attributed to scorching heat.
Nosebleed first aid
Domingo outlined first aid for managing nosebleeds, advising individuals to go to shaded areas first if exposed to direct sunlight or seek an air-conditioned environment, if possible.
“Lagyan ng malinis na gasa o kahit tela na malinis ang ilong na dumudugo para mapigilan ang pagdaloy ng dugo (Place a clean gauze or even a clean cloth on the bleeding nose to stop the flow of blood),” he said.
Domingo highlighted the necessity of seeking medical attention if the bleeding persists or intensifies, as it could signal underlying health issues beyond the effects of heat.
“Pag ganito, punta tayo sa emergency room kasi baka may ibang sanhi ang pagdurugong ito (When it’s like this, let’s go to the emergency room because there might be other causes for this bleeding),” he advised.
Domingo, on the other hand, urged teachers to align school activities with appropriate scheduling.
“Ang mga Physical Education classes at iba pang sports ay huwag gawin mula 10 a.m. hanggang 4 p.m. lalo na kung outdoor (Physical Education classes and other sports should not be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., especially if they’re outdoors),” he said.
He also said that it is better to conduct lectures indoors, especially during the peak heat of the day.
Meanwhile, Domingo disclosed insights from the Department of Education (DepEd) regarding plans for alternative learning methods to accommodate extreme weather conditions.
“Nabalitaan namin sa DepEd na magkakaroon ng alternative mode of learning, kung ‘di talaga kaya ay huwag na natin papuntahin ang bata sa eskwelahan (We’ve heard from the DepEd that there will be an alternative mode of learning, and if it’s really not possible, let’s not send the child to school),” he noted.
Domingo also appealed to school principals and superintendents, urging them to ensure that school uniforms are appropriate for the climate in the country.
“Light colors at light lang ‘yung tela para hindi mainit (Light colors and light fabrics to avoid heat),” he recommended, underscoring the importance of comfortable attire in minimizing heat-related discomfort among students. — Zekinah Elise Espina
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
