Nosebleed Treatment

How do I treat a nosebleed and is there any danger or warning sign?
(29 Jul 2009)

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Nosebleeds are quite a common problem, with some of us suffering them as a rare occurrence, while others may suffer recurring nosebleeds. Bleeding from the nose is almost always caused due to the rupturing of blood vessels within the nostrils. This in most cases happens because of trauma to the nose as a result of tremendous pressure from violent sneezing, blowing the nose, or even picking the nose.

Very often however, high blood pressure can also cause nosebleeds, in which case it would be a warning sign.

Nosebleeds are generally non-threatening unless there is a significant loss of blood, or if the condition is symptomatic of a more serious illness. If bleeding from the nose occurs after a head injury and the blood appears thin and watery it should be treated as extremely serious and emergency medical care would be necessary.

This would be serious as it indicates a fracture of the skull which causes the leakage of fluid from around the brain.

In most cases of a nosebleed some simple first aid tips and remedies can help resolve the condition. The main aims of any treatment administered should be to minimize blood loss, and to make sure that there is no restriction on airflow or breathing.

The patient should tilt his or her head forwards so as to allow drainage of blood from the nasal passages, to ensure that there is no disruption to respiration.

The patient would also be advised to breathe through the mouth as this would help calm and relax the patient. Pinching the soft portion of the nose can also help.

A patient should avoid speaking or swallowing, and must not spit, sniff or cough and sneeze as far as possible, as this could be a disturbance to the blood clots that have formed in the nasal passage.

Apply light pressure on the nose with a cold compress or a cloth soaked in some chilled water. Release the pressure after ten minutes and if the bleeding has still not stopped, reapply the pressure for another ten minutes.

Once the bleeding stops the affected person should lean forward as before and clean the area around the nose with lukewarm water.

Please keep in mind that even after the bleeding has stopped any exertion and strenuous activity should be avoided. In case the condition is severe with a significant loss of blood or it is prolonged, lasting as long as half an hour, it would be necessary to get medical attention.

answered by S D on 29 Jul 2009, 8:14:39

Nosebleed Treatment

How do I treat a nosebleed and is there any danger or warning sign? (29 Jul 2009)

How do I treat a nosebleed and is there any danger or warning sign?
(29 Jul 2009)