Nosebleeds: What We ‘Nose’ About Them

Nov 17, 2017

Chances are pretty good that you or someone you know will have a nose bleed at some point. This study estimated that 60 percent of the U.S. population will at some point experience a bloody nose.

Nosebleeds often are not dangerous. They’re more of a nuisance than anything else. Here are some tips on what do in case of a nosebleed.

How to stop a nosebleed

WebMD recommends treating a bloody nose in the following manner:

  • Sit up straight. Tip your head slightly forward
  • Use your thumb and forefinger to firmly pinch shut the soft part of your nose
  • Apply an ice pack to your nose and cheeks. The cold will help stop the bleeding by constricting your blood vessels
  • Keep pinching for 10 minutes. If your nose is still bleeding after this time, repeat the previous steps for another 10 minutes.
  • Put a thin layer of saline, a water-based nasal gel, or an antiseptic nasal cream inside your nose
  • Rest quietly for a few hours. Do not blow your nose for at least 12 hours after the bleeding has stopped

 When should you be worried about a nosebleed?

One study on nosebleeds (epistaxis is the clinical term) found that only 1.6 in 10,000 people required hospital treatment stemming from a nosebleed. But the symptoms below can indicate a severe, possibly fatal, medical issue. Contact your doctor immediately if any of the following happens:

  • Your nose is still bleeding after 10 to 20 minutes of direct pressure
  • Nosebleeds happen four or more times in one week after taking preventive measures
  • Suffering a bloody nose becomes more frequent or severe

What causes a nosebleed?

The two most common causes of nosebleeds are dry air and nose-picking. Especially during the winter, the nasal membranes dry out, crust, and crack because of the arid climate.

Additionally, you could be increasingly susceptible to a bloody nose if you are taking medications, such as warfarin and aspirin that prevent normal blood clotting. Here are other nosebleed causes:

  • The common cold
  • Sinuses and allergies
  • Frequent nasal spray use
  • Blood thinners

How do you prevent nosebleeds?

To prevent bloody noses, Mayo Clinic says you should:

  • Avoid picking the nose
  • Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This prevents dry air from impacting your nose’s blood vessels
  • Keep the lining of the nose moist with petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment. You can also use a saline nasal spray to accomplish this
  • Avoid hot drinks and hot showers because steam can cause blood flow to increase within the nose

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