Enjoying Lychee in Air Conditioning This Summer? Doctor Warns of Nosebleed Risk

(Central News Agency, reporter Shen Pei-yao, Taipei, June 12) Indulging in lychees and longans while moving between air-conditioned rooms and the summer heat can lead to persistent nosebleeds. A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner warns that temperature fluctuations and 'heaty' foods are the main causes of summer nosebleeds, advising people to stay hydrated and consume cooling remedies like sugar-free mung bean soup and herbal grass jelly drink.

On hot summer days, many people enjoy sweet lychees and durians in air-conditioned rooms, only to find their noses suddenly bleeding. TCM practitioner Lai Rui-hsin explained in a press release today that this is not simply due to 'excessive internal heat,' but rather the combined effect of one's constitution, temperature differences, and diet.

Lai explained that the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors in summer can reach 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Blood vessels undergo rapid constriction and dilation, and when combined with the dry air of an air-conditioned room, the nasal mucosa becomes fragile. If a person with a 'hot' or 'damp-heat' constitution then consumes excessive amounts of warming fruits like lychees and longans, the body's qi and blood surge upward, making nosebleeds more likely.

To prevent nosebleeds, Lai recommends eating plenty of vegetables that promote fluid production and quench thirst, such as Chinese cabbage, bitter gourd, and loofah, and consuming fruits in moderation during the daytime when yang energy is strong. She warns that dishes like sesame oil chicken, ginger duck, and fried foods are like 'adding fuel to the fire' in hot weather.

For cooling remedies, Lai recommends sugar-free mung bean soup and sugar-free grass jelly drink, as both are mild in nature and can safely reduce heat. However, she specifically advises against buying herbal tea or coconut water on one's own to cool down, as they can be too cold and cause the body to chill, making the nasal mucosa even more unstable.

If a nosebleed does not stop, Lai emphasizes that the 'correct method' is crucial: sit upright, lean your head slightly forward, and pinch the soft parts of your nose firmly for 5 to 10 minutes. This is contrary to the traditional belief of tilting the head back.

Lai added that besides diet, lifestyle habits are also hidden culprits. High blood pressure increases capillary pressure, smoking causes chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa, and taking aspirin or consuming large amounts of foods rich in natural salicylic acid, such as coffee, almonds, and blueberries, can affect blood clotting. If nosebleeds occur frequently, are heavy, or are accompanied by dizziness or anemia, one should seek medical attention promptly. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150612