How to stop nose bleeds

Nosebleeds (Epistaxis – medical term) are a common ailment. They usually stop within a few minutes and need no further treatment. Normally, they are harmless and brought on by minor injuries or from nose picking. It isn’t that difficult for a nosebleed to occur. The blood vessels lie very close to the surface in the nose. It can be a very scary experience, especially for children. Nosebleeds can be a sign that there is something more going on in our bodies, such as high blood pressure or even a heart attack to come. Some nosebleeds happen during a cold when a person has been blowing their nose excessively.

Causes of nosebleeds:

· Dried and irritated nasal passages

· Excessive nose blowing

· Nasal decongestants

· Dry air

· High altitudes

· Colds and Allergies

· Trauma to the nose.

· High blood pressure

· Clotting disorders that run in families or are due to medications.

· Tumors

· Cocaine use

How to stop a nosebleed:

A nosebleed can usually be stopped in a matter of minutes. Here are some tips to stop a nosebleed:

· Sit up straight and tip your head forward slightly.

· Apply direct pressure with your thumb and forefinger, and pinch the bridge of your nose shut for a full 10 to 15 minutes.

· After 10 to 15 minutes, check if your nose is still bleeding.

· If you’re still bleeding then apply direct pressure to your nose again for another 10 to 15 minutes.

· Usually a nosebleed will stop after 10 to 30 minutes. If you do not stop bleeding seek medical attention immediately.

· Apply an ice pack to the bridge of the nose to constrict the blood vessels.

· Refrain from blowing your nose (up to 12 hours) as this can begin the bleeding all over again.

· Rest and relax for the next few hours.

Call a professional if:

· If the bleeding hasn't stopped within 30 minutes of applying direct pressure to the bridge of your nose

· If blood is running down your throat after 30 minutes of direct pressure on the bridge of your nose

· If your nose is broken

What to do to prevent nosebleeds:

Dr. Mona Mansour, a doctor from Cincinnati, Ohio has suggested the following:

· Refrain from picking your nose

· Try “placing a small amount of petroleum jelly on the end of a cotton swab. Use only enough to cover half the cotton bit of the swab. Very carefully insert the swab into the nostril and gently apply jelly on center wall of nose. Never insert the swab further than the cotton tip."

· "If you get nosebleeds a lot, try using a humidifier in your bedroom to moisten the air that you breathe in. The extra moisture produced by the humidifier will mean your nose won't have to work as hard.”

· “If allergies and frequent colds aren't the cause of nosebleeds, then your doctor may want to do some tests. There may be some other solutions for stopping your nosebleeds.”