Seven Ways to Prevent Nosebleeds

If you suffer from frequent nosebleeds, you know how annoying they can be. Nosebleeds can mean ruined clothes, discomfort, and embarrassment if the nosebleeds occur when you're in a public place.

If your doctor has found that there's no underlying condition causing your nosebleeds, there are things you can do at home that can help cut down on the frequency of nosebleeds.

Use a humidifier.

Being in a dry environment will dry out your mucous membranes and make you more prone to getting nosebleeds. You can prevent this by using a humidifier or vaporizer to keep the air in your home or office nice and moist.

Fill the humidifier with distilled, purified water, and clean the unit about once a week. That way, not only will the air be moist, it will also be clean.

Or use a saline nasal spray.

If you spend a lot of time in a dry environment where you can't use a humidifier, consider buying a saline nasal spray at the drugstore. A saline nasal spray will help keep the membrane inside of your nose moist, which will help prevent nosebleeds.

Drink lots of water.

Drinking plenty of water has many health benefits. One is that drinking water will help keep the inside of your nose moist, which will help prevent nosebleeds.

What's in your medicine cabinet?

Certain medications thin the blood, which can increase the amount of time it takes for your blood to clot. This can make it hard to stop a nosebleed. And, if you're prone to nosebleeds, these medications can also make you get nosebleeds more frequently.

Some over-the-counter medications that can interfere with blood clotting are aspirin and ibuprofen. If you have frequent nosebleeds, you shouldn't take these medications more than necessary. When you can, use acetaminophen for pain relief.

Are you taking oral contraceptives?

Anything that changes the estrogen levels in your body can increase your chances of getting nosebleeds. If you suffer from frequent nosebleeds, and are also taking an oral contraceptive, talk to your doctor about alternatives. Just switching to a different oral contraceptive might help.

Stop smoking.

If you have frequent nosebleeds, and are a smoker, the cigarettes could be part of the problem. Smoking dries out your nasal cavity, which makes you prone to nosebleeds.

Take your vitamins.

If you have frequent nosebleeds, consider taking vitamin supplements or a daily multi-vitamin. Iron will help quickly replenish your blood supply. And other vitamins, like vitamin C, help create a moist, protective lining in your nose, which will help keep mucous membranes from drying out.

The easiest way to deal with nosebleeds is to prevent them from happening. And these tips will help you do just that.