What you need to know about: Nose Bleed (Epistaxis)
Overview
- A nose bleed occurs when a small vein, along the lining of nose, bursts
- Most nosebleeds look scary, but are harmless
- Can be treated at home
- Common in children/elderly
Causes
- Dryness
- Nose picking
- Blowing nose with force
- Use of medications, like aspirin
- Introducing objects into nose (mostly children)
- Injuries
- Allergies
- Infections
- High BP
- Atherosclerosis
- Blood-clotting disorders
- Use of cocaine
Symptoms
- Bleeding from nose
- Sometimes bleeding from ears/mouth too
Types
a. Anterior Nosebleed
- Affects lower part of wall that separates nostrils
- The wall or septum contains blood vessels
- These can be broken by blow to nose/fingernail
- The bleeding starts from front of nose
- It flows outward when patient is sitting/standing
- Occurs during dry season/harsh winter
b. Posterior Nosebleed
- The bleeding starts deep within the nose
- It flows down the back of the mouth & throat
- This happens even when the person is sitting/standing
- Occurs in old people/those with high BP/injuries
- This type of bleeding is severe/ requires medical help
Treatment
- If your nose bleeds,
- Sit down and lean forward
- Using your thumb & index finger, squeeze soft part of nose
- This part is between end of nose and the bridge of nose
- Continue holding till bleeding stops-
- Do not stop in-between
- If bleeding continues, hold for another 10 minutes
- If the patient is a child, divert attention by TV/Stories
- Avoid picking, blowing or rubbing nose for 2 days
- Place an ice pack on the bridge of nose
Consult a Doctor If,
- The bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes
- The bleeding is caused by an injury
- You get nosebleeds often
Prevention
- Keep fingernails short
- Quit smoking
- Open your mouth while sneezing
- Use a humidifier at night in case of dry weather
Category: Features, Health alert
