I was asked to comment on some health problems people experience with aging for an article by Alek Korab and was happy to oblige. There are many conditions that I treat that become more common with age. I was quoted on the sections about nosebleeds and vasomotor rhinitis which are some of the most common conditions I see with advancing age.
While nosebleeds are usually just a nuisance, they can be debilitating and in some cases life-threatening. As part of the aging process our blood vessels become thinner and weaker and this predisposes people to nosebleeds. Other conditions such as hypertension and the use of blood thinners increase the risk. Nosebleeds can happen year-round but in New England I treat them in the winter more than any other time of the year, because of the cold, dry weather. The treatment for nosebleeds ranges from preventative strategies (e.g. humidifiers in the home and agents designed to keep the nose moist) and first aid (pinching the soft part of the nose and leaning forward) to life saving surgery for severe nosebleeds.
Vasomotor rhinitis is a condition that is caused by the aging nervous system and leads to nasal congestion and runny noses. It can be quite a frustrating part of aging. Fortunately there are excellent treatment options which range from medications (e.g. Ipratropium nasal sprays) to in-office procedures and surgery.
Full Article: https://www.eatthis.com/health-problems-after-50/