Treatment For Common Nosebleed
Nosebleeds, (also known as epistaxis), are very common. The nose contains many tiny fragile blood vessels that bleed easily. The lining of the nose
can become dry and irritated from low humidity, chronic nose-picking,
colds, sinus infections, vigorous nose blowing,
and reaction to medications such as inhalants, aspirin, ibuprofen, or anticoagulants. A foreign object in the nose or direct impact to the nose can also cause a nosebleed.
The majority of nosebleeds are not serious and are easy to control with
application of continuous pressure.
The most common area for a nosebleed is near the front, (anterior), and in this common type blood begins flowing from the front part of the nose and exits from just one nostril. When the blood comes from deep in the nose,
(posterior bleed), and flows down the back of the mouth and throat,
regardless of the victim's position, it is usually caused by sports- or accident-related injury or occurs as a result of high blood pressure, and requires treatment from a physician.
Stopping A Common Nosebleed
Do NOT tilt the victim's head back Sit in an upright position or stand Spit out any blood Have the victim blow his nose to free any large clots Gently squeeze the soft fleshy portion of the nose between your thumb and finger (so that the nostrils are closed). *Pressing on the bony part of the nose will not help stop nosebleeds Put a little wad of cotton inside the victim's upper lip against the gum. *One of the major blood vessels supplying the interior of the nose goes right through the upper lip*. Lean forward slightly to avoid swallowing the blood and breathe through the mouth Wait at least 5 minutes before checking if the bleeding has stopped. If bleeding has not stopped, gently blow the nose to evacuate all clots, then spray a decongestant-nasal spray quickly into both nostrils, followed by another five minutes of pinch pressure.
Once bleeding has slowed, the nose may be lightly packed with a tissue. When packing, coat the tip of the tissue with petroleum jelly. This will prevent the bleed site from reopening when the tissue is removed. Once bleeding has stopped avoid blowing the nose, bending over and lifting heavy objects or any other activity that increases intercranial pressure for a minimum of an hour.
Call 911 or take the victim to the closest emergency room if unable to stop the bleeding after the above measures have been taken or if bleeding resumes, seems excessive, the victim feels weak or faint, or blood goes down the back of the throat, rather than out of one nostril.
To Help Prevent Nosebleeds
1. Avoid digital trauma to nasal passages (no nose picking!)
2. Increasing the humidity in the house during dry weather by using a humidifier to keep the nasal passages moist
3. Keep the nasal membranes healthy & moist by drinking plenty of water
4. Nonprescription nasal saline spray or a small amount of petroleum jelly applied twice a day to the center wall inside the nose (the septum) often helps relieve dryness and irritation.
5. Putting 2 or 3 drops of warm water in each nostril before blowing a stuffy nose
6. Open your mouth when sneezing
7. Use acetaminophen rather than aspirin (unless you have medical conditions that require aspirin)
8. Treat any allergic symptoms with antihistamines to help break the itching
and bleeding cycle
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First Aid : Treating Nosebleed
