How to Determine if Nosebleed is Caused by Excess Internal Heat (Shanghuo)

　　To determine whether a nosebleed is caused by excessive internal heat (commonly known as "fire-heat"), analysis can generally be conducted from aspects such as the characteristics of the bleeding, accompanying symptoms, dietary triggers, physical condition, and timing of the episodes. If uncertain, it is advisable to seek medical consultation in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Bleeding Characteristics: Nosebleeds caused by excessive internal heat typically involve a relatively large volume of bright red, thick blood. Excess internal heat forces blood to flow abnormally, causing nasal blood vessels to rupture, resulting in heavy bleeding and brighter blood color.

　　2. Accompanying Symptoms: Common symptoms include clear signs of heat-related conditions, such as sore throat, swollen gums, mouth ulcers, and bad breath. Constipation, dark-colored short urination, flushed face, and bloodshot eyes may also occur, all of which are external manifestations of accumulated internal heat.

　　3. Dietary Triggers: Recently consuming excessive spicy, fried, or warming foods, such as chili peppers, barbecued foods, lamb, etc., can easily lead to heat accumulation in the body and subsequent nosebleeds. These foods have an inherently heating and drying nature, and nosebleeds occurring shortly after consumption suggest excessive internal heat as a likely cause.

　　4. Physical Condition: A feeling of internal heat, slightly elevated body temperature, hot palms and soles, and irritability are common. Even in a cool environment, one may still feel internal heat rising, which is related to the imbalance of yin and yang caused by excessive internal heat.

　　5. Timing of Episodes: Nosebleeds often occur in the afternoon or at night when the body's yang energy is relatively weak, making internal heat more apparent. Additionally, increased breathing rate during sleep and moisture loss from nasal mucosa can exacerbate nasal dryness and bleeding caused by excessive internal heat.

　　If you suspect a nosebleed is caused by excessive internal heat, adjust your diet promptly by reducing the intake of spicy and heat-inducing foods and consuming more cooling and heat-clearing fruits and vegetables, such as bitter melon and pears. If nosebleeds occur frequently or are accompanied by other severe discomfort symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and do not rely solely on self-diagnosis, which may delay treatment.