How to Stop a Nose Bleed
Nose bleeds can get pretty scary and may seemingly come out of nowhere. Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are caused by broken blood vessels inside your nose. For children, these broken blood vessels can be caused by irritated nose membranes or trauma, while nosebleeds in adults can have more serious implications. Here are the first aid steps you should take when faced with a nosebleed.
Nose Bleed First Aid
Do not panic. Seek the help of a family member, friend or a nurse. If they are not completely in the vicinity, that’s okay: You can do these steps on your own.
Sit down and lean your head forward, just enough so your head is above your heart. This will prevent from blood accidentally getting into your throat which can cause gagging, choking or vomiting. Keep seated. Do not lay down.
Use your thumb and index finger to mildly pinch the area just beneath the bridge, or the bony part of your nose. Squeeze gently for around five minutes. Do not let go of your nose until the five minutes is up. If there is still bleeding after the initial five minutes, squeeze again for another ten minutes. This is done to encourage the blood to clot and for the bleeding to cease.
Breathe through your mouth. If your nose is profusely bleeding, use your free hand to wipe the blood off your face with tissues.
Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the area of your nose that you have just been pinching. Cold compresses constrict blood vessels, which will help your nose to stop bleeding.
After the Nose Bleed Stops
When lying down, make sure that your head is elevated above your heart. This position will help ease up nasal pressure.
Do not pick your nose.
Do not blow your nose.
Do not squeeze your nose.
Do not clean the insides of your nose.
Do not bump your nose.
Do not bend over.
Avoid strenuous activities, lifting objects or any activity that may cause your blood pressure to abruptly change and may restart your nose bleed.
Clean up the rest of your face that the nose bleed may have affected.
Use a cool vaporizer to encourage moisture inside your nose. Having an overly dry nose can spell a recurring nose bleed. Applying a bit of petroleum jelly just on the bit in your nostrils will also offer moisture and protection.
Consider getting a humidifier for your home. Nose bleeds can also be caused by very dry air that dries out the inside of your nose and cracks the blood vessels.
See a Doctor When…
If the nose bleed does not stop after two or three attempts to control it with first aid.
The nose bleed was not caused by a direct trauma to the nose, such as getting hit by a stray soccer ball. Again, nose bleeds can be a symptom of a more serious condition.
Nose bleeds that follow head trauma must also be given immediate medical attention.
If your nose bleeds become a regular occurrence, see a doctor.