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
- 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
- Severe bleeding requires medical help
Treatment
- Sit down and lean forward.
- Using your thumb & index finger, squeeze soft part of nose for 10 minutes.
- 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.
- Visit Hospital.