Actress Cha Joo-young, known for her role in the hit series “The Glory,” recently shared a deeply personal account of her struggle with recurrent, severe epistaxis – commonly known as nosebleeds. The disclosure, made on , via her social media account, has raised awareness of this often-underestimated condition and prompted concern among her fans.
Cha Joo-young posted photos and videos dating back five years, depicting instances of significant bleeding. One video showed blood pooling on the asphalt, with a caption indicating the bleeding persisted for over an hour. Other images revealed blood-filled sinks and containers, illustrating the severity of her past episodes. Alongside these visuals, she expressed a heartfelt wish for complete healing, hoping to prevent future occurrences.
This public sharing follows an announcement made on , by her agency, Go Studio, that she would be temporarily stepping back from official activities. The agency explained that this hiatus was necessary to address her ongoing battle with recurrent epistaxis, which ultimately required surgical intervention.
Understanding Recurrent Epistaxis
Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, are a common occurrence, with most cases being minor and self-limiting. However, recurrent epistaxis, as experienced by Cha Joo-young, warrants medical attention. The nasal cavity is richly supplied with blood vessels, making it vulnerable to bleeding. These vessels are close to the surface and easily irritated, particularly in dry climates or during periods of low humidity.
While many nosebleeds are caused by simple factors like dry air, nose picking, or minor trauma, frequent or severe episodes can signal an underlying medical issue. As noted in the reporting, potential causes include high blood pressure and blood coagulation disorders. Other contributing factors can include nasal allergies, sinusitis, and the use of certain medications, such as blood thinners.
The agency stated that Cha Joo-young underwent otolaryngology surgery – a procedure performed by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists – to address the issue. This suggests the bleeding was likely stemming from a specific anatomical location within the nasal cavity that required surgical correction.
First Aid and When to Seek Medical Attention
For most common nosebleeds, simple first aid measures are effective. The recommended approach involves gently bending the head slightly forward (tilting the head *back* can cause blood to flow down the throat, potentially leading to nausea or choking) and applying firm, continuous pressure to the soft part of the nose, just below the bony bridge, for . Breathing through the mouth during this time is advised.
However, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if a nosebleed doesn’t stop after of applying pressure, if the bleeding is heavy or accompanied by weakness or dizziness, or if the nosebleeds are frequent and recurrent. A healthcare professional can identify the cause of the bleeding and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include nasal packing, cauterization of bleeding vessels, or, in some cases, surgery.
The case of Cha Joo-young highlights the importance of not dismissing recurrent nosebleeds as a minor inconvenience. While often benign, persistent or severe episodes can significantly impact quality of life and may indicate a more serious underlying health condition. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential for preventing complications and ensuring a full recovery.
Currently, Cha Joo-young is in the post-operative recovery phase, and her agency has requested understanding from the public as she focuses on her health. Her willingness to share her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and seeking medical attention when needed.
