Every year in the United States, about 60 million people have nosebleeds (also called epistaxis), and in most cases, they’re mild and nothing to worry about. While many people only have an occasional nosebleed, usually during the cold, dry months of winter, others have nosebleeds more frequently, and finding a solution is important for improving their quality of life.
Nosebleeds happen for different reasons. Usually, they happen when the nasal membranes are irritated or dry, or in people who have naturally thin membranes. Taking steps to keep your nasal membranes healthy and moist can go a long way toward keeping future nosebleeds at bay.
With locations in Salt Lake City, Murray, Draper, Tooele, and West Jordan, Utah, ENT Specialists offers patient-centered nosebleed treatments, with care tailored to each person’s unique needs, symptoms, and risk factors. If you have frequent nosebleeds, these tips from our team can help.
An itchy nose is pretty common, especially if you have allergies. It’s important not to scratch, though, since that can damage membranes and trigger bleeding. If you must scratch, cover your fingertip with a tissue first and be very gentle.
Dry air can quickly dry out your nasal membranes, too, leaving your nose irritated and more likely to bleed. Utah is known for its low humidity, so avoiding dry areas isn’t always possible when you’re out and about. One way to combat dry outdoor air is to moisturize your nose using the next tip in this list.
Use a cotton swab to gently apply a very thin layer of petroleum jelly to the inside of your nose, being careful not to reach too far up. Moisturize throughout the day, especially if you’re in a dry environment. You can moisturize before bed, too, to soothe and heal your nose while you sleep.
Heat and air conditioning can quickly dry out indoor air. A humidifier puts moisture back into the air to help keep your nasal tissues moist. Consider using one near your favorite place to hang out at home, near your bed, or next to your desk if you work from a home office.
Some nasal sprays can help stop nosebleeds, while other sprays make nosebleeds more likely. Before using any over-the-counter product, ask our team if a nasal spray is a good solution for your type of nosebleed. We can recommend a product that’s right for you.
Blowing your nose too hard can cause tiny vessels inside your nasal membranes to rupture and bleed. When you need to blow, do so gently, and avoid rubbing your nose afterward.
If you have allergies that make your nose run or cause sneezing, you might be blowing your nose more than you think — and that can lead to nosebleeds. Our team offers comprehensive care for allergy sufferers, including allergy testing to identify triggers and advanced treatment options to relieve symptoms.
Most nosebleeds are minor, but some can be very serious. If you have a nosebleed following a traumatic injury, a nosebleed that won’t stop, or a nosebleed involving a lot of heavy bleeding, it’s important to call the office or call 911 right away.
If you have frequent nosebleeds, it could be a sign of an underlying medical problem. To learn what’s causing your nosebleeds and how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at ENT Specialists today.
