Nosebleeds are usually a scary but minor bout with broken blood vessels just inside the nose. They're caused by a cold, frequent nose blowing and picking, allergies, a dry environment, using too much nasal spray, or a punch or other blow to the nose.
A nosebleed is serious, though, when heavy bleeding from deep within the nose is hard to stop. This type usually strikes the elderly. It can be caused by hardening of nasal blood vessels, high blood pressure, medicines to treat blood clots, primary bleeding disorders like hemophilia, or by a tumor in the nose.
Did this nosebleed follow a blow to another part of
the head or does the nosebleed occur in a person taking blood-thinning medicine, such as
Coumadin? |
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| Does the nosebleed last 10-15 minutes or more? |
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| Does the nosebleed start after taking newly
prescribed medication? |
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| Do nosebleeds happen often and/or are they becoming
more frequent? |
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Although there are lots of ideas about how to treat minor nosebleeds, the
following procedure is recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngology (Head and
Neck Surgery).
Sit with your head leaning
forward.
Pinch the nostrils shut, using your thumb
and forefinger in such a way that the nasal septum (the nose's midsection) is being gently
squeezed.
Hold for 15 uninterrupted minutes,
breathing through your mouth.
At the same time, apply cold compresses
(such as ice in a soft cloth) to the area around the nose.
For the next 24 hours, make sure your head
is elevated above the level of your heart.
Also, wait 24 hours before blowing your
nose, lifting heavy objects, or exercising strenuously.
{Note: If you are unable to stop a nosebleed by using the Self-Care Tips, call your doctor.}
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99