Nosebleeds are a common injury amongst people young and old. The nose is a part of the face rich in blood vessels and any trauma to the face can start a nosebleed. Nosebleeds are also common in dry climates and during the winter months when people are going from the cold to the dry heat of their homes. During these months the nose membranes become cracked and dry. This drying out of the membranes is what causes nosebleeds. People who are taking medications that prevent normal blood clotting are at a higher risk of getting a nosebleed. For these people only a light trauma could spark a nosebleed. Other factors that promote nosebleeds are alcohol abuse, infection, use of blood thinning medications, hypertension, allergic and non allergic rhinitis, and less commonly from inherited bleeding problems and tumors.

In most cases the common nosebleed is fairly easy to stop, and no medical help is needed.

1. Using a clean cloth, tissue or sterile gauze, pinch the nose together at the nostrils and firmly apply pressure towards the face. Hold like this for at least 8 minutes, or until the nose stops bleeding.
2. Have the person lean forward slightly or sit up sit up straight. Do not let the person lean back, or blood may flow into the windpipe. Keep the head above the heart, or in other words, don’t let the person lie down. If they must lie down try to keep their head elevated at a 45 degree angle.
3. Apply crushed ice in a bag or cloth to nose and cheeks. Make sure ice is in a bag or cloth because direct application may cause frostbite to skin.

• Rest with your head elevated at a 30- 45 degree angle, or keep your head higher than your heart
• Avoid medications which will thin the blood (such as aspirin), but make sure to contact your doctor before stopping taking any prescribed medications.
• Do not smoke
• Try not to sneeze. If you must sneeze open your mouth to allow the air another way to escape to avoid upsetting the nose.
• Try not to strain. Heavy lifting/pulling/pushing should be avoided!
• Try to keep to a “cool diet” for 24 hours. Avoid hot liquids.
• Your doctor may recommend a lubricant for the inside of your nose if you are prone to recurrent nosebleeds. This is easily applied with a Q-tip or the tip of a finger. Make sure to coat the middle part of the nose especially, as it is the most vulnerable.
• If it does start up again attempt to clear the nose of clots by sniffing in forcefully. Nasal decongestant sprays may also be used, but if they are used for an extended period of time they may become addictive.
• And if all else fails repeat the above steps for stopping common nosebleeds.

            If bleeding keep occurring and you feel faint or weak from blood loss then you should report to your doctor, or local emergency room. There they may stop the bleeding with a heating instrument and blood tests may be taken to check for disorders. If bleeding still persists then the doctor may place nasal packs, which compress the blood vessels and stop the bleeding. And in rare situations surgery is needed to plug the nose and stop the bleeding.

            If your doctor has placed these packs within your nose you will need to return to the hospital in 2-5 days to have them removed. Nasal packs are made of a spongy material that compress the blood vessels and are usually only used when more conservative methods fail. When you go for your removal appointment make sure you have arranged rides to and from the hospital as you will be prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as needed. It is also advised that you continue to avoid blood-thinning medications unless otherwise noted by your doctor.

When these packs are placed, it isn’t uncommon for the nose to drain some blood-tinged material. This can be caught by taping a folded piece of gauze under the nose like a mustache. In some cases your doctor will permit you to clean your nostrils with hydrogen peroxide soaked Q-tips.

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