All You Need to Know About Nose Bleeding
Nose bleeding is a common problem with most people. A nosebleed occurs when a small vein(s) in the nasal lining ruptures, giving way to blood loss. This bursting may be caused by allergies, artery disease, and high blood pressure, use of some medications or other infections. Activities such as scuba diving, flying at high altitude, use of cocaine or a hard blow to the nose can also cause nosebleeds. In the case of an accident, a head/ skull injury could lead to loss of blood or other fluids through the nostrils. Sometimes, nosebleeds are caused by introduction of foreign materials such as beads or cereals especially in children.
Although most cases of nose bleeding appear nasty, they are not necessarily life threatening. Unless the situation persists, the nosebleed can be stopped through proper first aid measures at home without seeing a doctor. Nevertheless, some cases should be presented to the medical practitioners.
When a nosebleed occurs, you should desist from lying back to stop blood flow, as some people do. This is dangerous since the restrained blood can form clots in the head, causing further complications. Moreover, it could irritate one's stomach if swallowed. What you are supposed to do is sit upright while leaning forward in a relaxed manner. This helps reduce the blood pressure and consequently the amount of blood lost.
Having maintained the posture mentioned above, one should pinch the soft part of his/ her nose between the thumb and forefinger—preferably with a handkerchief to absorb the blood. Pinching helps impart pressure on the bleeding veins and stops the blood flow. The patient should pinch the nose continuously for 10 to 20 minutes, while breathing through the mouth. By the end of the allocated time, the nosebleed should have stopped. Subsequently, the patient should not pick or blow their nose for a couple of hours.
If a nosebleed was as a result of an accident, an injury or a hard blow on the face, or if the bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes, one should consult a doctor. This applies also to recurring cases of nose bleeding. To prevent nose bleeding after recovery, it is advisable to quit smoking, open your mouth when sneezing and avoid picking your nose. Your doctor could also recommend other ways, based on your specific condition.
References
1. Nose Bleed - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide.
http://www.medindia.net/patients/Firstaid_NoseBleed.htm. Accessed May 09, 2013.
2. Nosebleeds. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Nosebleeds.cfm. Accessed May 09, 2013.
Although most cases of nose bleeding appear nasty, they are not necessarily life threatening. Unless the situation persists, the nosebleed can be stopped through proper first aid measures at home without seeing a doctor. Nevertheless, some cases should be presented to the medical practitioners.
When a nosebleed occurs, you should desist from lying back to stop blood flow, as some people do. This is dangerous since the restrained blood can form clots in the head, causing further complications. Moreover, it could irritate one's stomach if swallowed. What you are supposed to do is sit upright while leaning forward in a relaxed manner. This helps reduce the blood pressure and consequently the amount of blood lost.
Having maintained the posture mentioned above, one should pinch the soft part of his/ her nose between the thumb and forefinger—preferably with a handkerchief to absorb the blood. Pinching helps impart pressure on the bleeding veins and stops the blood flow. The patient should pinch the nose continuously for 10 to 20 minutes, while breathing through the mouth. By the end of the allocated time, the nosebleed should have stopped. Subsequently, the patient should not pick or blow their nose for a couple of hours.
If a nosebleed was as a result of an accident, an injury or a hard blow on the face, or if the bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes, one should consult a doctor. This applies also to recurring cases of nose bleeding. To prevent nose bleeding after recovery, it is advisable to quit smoking, open your mouth when sneezing and avoid picking your nose. Your doctor could also recommend other ways, based on your specific condition.
References
1. Nose Bleed - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide.
http://www.medindia.net/patients/Firstaid_NoseBleed.htm. Accessed May 09, 2013.
2. Nosebleeds. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Nosebleeds.cfm. Accessed May 09, 2013.
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