Nosebleeds: Basic Steps to Stop a Nosebleed

Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, are a common problem, especially in children and adults over the age of 50. According to www.emedicinehealth.com, one out of every seven people will develop a nosebleed at sometime in their life. Nosebleeds may be the result of disease or injury. However, they also tend to occur in dry, cold climates, particularly in the winter.

A nosebleed may be the result of trauma either from a direct blow to the face or may be caused by picking inside the nose, which is the most common cause. Colds can also be a contributing factor, they can cause the lining of the nose to become irritated and this in turn may cause bleeding. Other causes of a nose bleed may be due to abnormalities of a blood clotting disease.

Although nosebleeds may appear frightening they are usually not serious and can be handled safely at home. I know that it is very scary to see someone with a nosebleed or to have a nosebleed yourself but with some basic steps it can be stopped. The best method to stop a nosebleed is to:

- Remain calm and sit up straight.

- Lean your head forward. A common misconception is to tilt your head backwards, however this will only cause you to swallow the blood.

- Squeeze the lower half of your nose or nostrils between your thumb and index finger. This should be done for at least a full 10 minutes at minimum. Ideally applying firm pressure to the nostrils should be done for 20 minutes.

- Spitting out any excess blood in your mouth will prevent you from swallowing it.

Once the bleeding has stopped avoid stooping down or any strenuous activity for the first 24 hours. When lying down elevate your head above the level of your heart by propping up pillows. Do not blow your nose and if you feel a sneeze coming on try to do so with your mouth open to prevent any excess force in your nostrils. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen or any medications containing these ingredients (check the labels). If pain relief is needed acetaminophen is the medication of choice. Do not smoke this will increase your chances of re-bleeding and it will also irritate and dry out your nasal passages.

The best method to prevent a nosebleed or re-bleeding is to use o a cool mist humidifier if you have a cold this will help keep your nasal passages moist. Petroleum jelly or a saline nasal spray will also aid in keeping your nostrils from drying out. Most of all avoid picking your nose or blowing too forcefully.

Sometimes nosebleeds can be difficult to stop, and in these cases a physician must be consulted. They may have to pack the nose with certain materials or cauterize the site of the bleed.

Resources:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/nosebleeds/article_em.html

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/firstaid/basics/132.html