Nose bleeds are a fairly common occurrence, brought on for varying differences that are not usually a serious health problem. More often than not, nose bleeds can be treated at home with a quick response. Further medical treatments might be required, such as packing the nose and antibiotics to prevent an infection. When it comes to a nose bleed, depending on how it occurred, will dictate whether or not you should see a medical professional as well as if they occur regularly. With that in mind, we at ENT Specialists would like to take the opportunity to discuss how to treat a nose bleed and ways you can prevent them.
Apply the following steps to treat your nose bleed.
1) Relax. If you don’t remain calm and you start to get over anxious or nervous about the nose bleed, it can stimulate heavier blood flow, resulting in your nose bleeding more than it normally would; remember to say calm.
2) Don’t lie down. It is important to keep your head above your heart by staying in the seated position as opposed to the lying down.
3) Angle slightly forward. Leaning a bit forward will help keep the blood from draining to the back of your throat.
4) Pinch the nostrils together. For 5 to 10 minutes while you breathe through your mouth, use your thumb and index finger to hold your nostrils closed. This makes the blood stop flowing as you put pressure on the part of your nose that’s bleeding.
After you have got the bleeding to stop, avoid blowing your nose or touching it, otherwise you can trigger the nose to bleed again. In the event you do and the nose starts to bleed, blow your nose to flush out the blood clots. Afterwards, apply a spray decongestant in both nostrils and call your doctor.
There are some things you can do to help prevent nose bleeds from occurring; these tips are listed below.
Manage the moisture inside your nose. Nose bleeds can easily manifest simply due to the dryness. Administer a thin layer petroleum jelly in your nostrils 2-3 times a day using a cotton swab, especially before you go to sleep. Additionally, use an antibiotic ointment can also be used as well as the use of a nasal saline product.
Utilize a humidifier. The cause of dry nostrils can be a result of the air in your home is too dry; using a humidifier can balance the humidity levels in the air.
Quit smoking. For smokers that frequently get nose bleeds, the smoke is often the culprit as it irritates and dries the nasal passages.
Avoid picking the nose. Don’t blow or rub the nose with excessive force and encourage little ones from picking their nose if they have a tendency to get nose bleeds. To help in the effort, ensure your child’s nails are trimmed down short.
Keep using the cold and allergy medications to a minimum. These medications are designed to dry the nasal canal to contain runny noses. Some medications can cause nose bleeds or make them worse. Speak to your doctor about the medications you are on if they are causing nose bleeds for alternatives, but always follow the advice of your doctor regarding them.
If you seem prone to nose bleeds and get them all too frequently despite your efforts to prevent them, call ENT Specialists. We will determine if there are underlying issues and make recommendations to correct them.
