Dancing About Science - Chapter 4 - What is Epistaxis?

Ever since I started dancing with Ms. Joyce Ellis, I learned how to be powerful in my movements. Each throw of an arm, kick of a leg, or hair flip came with some force. Her power was always infectious and thus, we all strived to emulate her.

I especially recall a really intense Saturday morning practice. I was in the studio with the Level 5/6 dancers (middle & high schoolers). We had been painstakingly going through a routine, likely because we were nearing a performance or spring show. I was dripping in sweat and feeling really hot. I wasn't dizzy, but my heart was racing.

The Drip

All of a sudden, my nose started dripping blood! With my hand catching the faucet, I ran to the nearest bathroom, which was unfortunately, the only one at the entire studio.

I frequently had nosebleeds, but this one was different. When I put my face over the sink, HUGE blood clots came out. I thought my brain was leaking!

And to make matters worse, it just wouldn't stop. I held a tissue over my nose with zero luck, I pinched the bridge, etc. Eventually, a studio mother (who was likely waiting to use the restroom) knocked on the door to see if I was ok. I had to sit down on the toilet and take deep breaths for the blood to stop. I was a mess, but eventually, it slowed.

Epistaxis from Dancing

Epistaxis or nose bleeds, are quite common and rarely harmful. They occur when the thin blood vessels in your nose burst, causing blood to leak out of your nostrils. Clotting is necessary for the blood to stop flowing. If clots begin within the nose but drift into the loose blood, large, slimy blood slugs may be released. Phew, not part of my brain!

Heart Rate and Nosebleeds

When your heart rate increases, there's more stress on the blood vessels. Blood pumping through your body faster and harder can put a lot of pressure on small vessels. I suppose this explains why epistaxis from dancing is not that unusual. If your nose is already dry from the temperature or weather, this can exacerbate the likelihood of rupturing.

Interestingly, folks that have high blood pressure and congestive heart failure are actually more prone to epistaxis. Thankfully, at age 14, I wasn't suffering from these issues. However, the whole ordeal did scare me.

Nose Cauterization No-No

My mom asked the doctor about my frequent nosebleeds. They informed us of n

, which is basically the use of chemicals or electrical current to seal the vessels in the nose, thickening with scar tissue. In theory, this could reduce epistaxis.

Thankfully, it sounded barbaric to the both of us, and we chalked it up to puberty, hoping that it would get better as I grew up. It did :)

And I continue to bring the power when it comes to the dance floor!