How to treat a Nosebleed? (Nosebleed First Aid)

photo source: youtube.com

A nosebleed is bleeding from the internal blood vessels of the nose.  Some individuals are more susceptible to nosebleeds than others if their blood vessels are closer to the surface inside the nose.  Children have nosebleeds on a more regular basis than adults because they are more likely to stick fingers and other objects up their noses.  They also have thinner mucous membranes in the lining of the nose. 

Causes

• Nose picking
• Vigorous nose blowing
• In children, a foreign body lodged in the nose
• Repeated sneezing
• Upper respiratory infection
• Allergic rhinitis
• Barotrauma
• Chemical irritants
• Drugs (e.g., anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory)
• Trauma (eg., a broken nose) or irritation
• Facial and nasal surgery

Complications:

• Shock 
• Infection
• Aspiration
• Death

What you can do?

• Sit down and lean forward lightly, head turned to the side to prevent blood from running down the throat and any clots from blocking the air passages.
• Pinch the lower part of the nose for 10 minutes while breathing through the nostrils just below the bony part of the nose for 10 minutes while breathing through the mouth.  Slowly release the nostrils.  If bleeding continues, repeat the procedure.
• Apply ice pack over the nose
• After the bleeding has stopped, do not touch or blow the nose for about 24 hours.  Do not pack the affected  nostril with cotton or gauze unless you are adept  at it, as you could further damage the blood vessels.
• If bleeding does not stop, if plenty of blood has been lost (about 25ml), or if there is pain and severe swelling the nose may be broken, go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
• If nosebleed recurs, consult your doctor.

Prevention Tips

• Avoid excessive nose blowing.
• Avoid picking the nose.
• Avoid trauma, if possible.
• Get treatment for serious underlying causes, if any.
• Limit the use of topical; nasal steroids or nose sprays.
• Use a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Do not use cocaine or other forms of illegal drugs or abused substances especially those that are administered via inhalation.

On this video, a Nurse from Howcast video will show about how to treat a nosebleed.

Did you know that nosebleeds can usually be stopped in about five minutes?  Know how by watching this video.

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