Nose bleeds, known as epistaxis, can be scary looking but usually aren’t dangerous. They usually come on without notice and can be quite messy. In this class we will look at how to stop nose bleeds fast as well way to prevent them in the future.
What Causes Nose Bleeds
The nose is a super factory of blood vessels and situated in a vulnerable place protruding from your face like a bullseye on a target. As a result, most injuries or blows to the head are highly likely to result in a nose bleed. Your nasal membranes are very thin allowing minor irritations or bumps to the nose to result in bleeding. Children are more likely to get nose bleeds when they don’t listen to their mothers and pick their noses causing irritation or from rough housing on the playground. Adults who frequently get nose bleeds could have a more serious condition and should always consult a doctor.
The bleeding during a nose bleed may be profuse or minor. Nose bleeds tend to be spontaneous and happen more often when your nasal membranes dry out and crack. This is very common in dryer climates or during the winter where you experience large temperature fluctuations from inside and outside. Certain medications that thin out the blood or reduce clotting such as aspirin will also make you more prone to bloody noses.
The following circumstances will make you more susceptible to nose bleeds.
- Trauma, including picking you nose for gold
- Alcohol consumption
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Medications that thin your blood
Stay safe and user proper precautions when helping others. When helping someone else make sure to wear protective equipment.
Lean forward or straight up not backwards. It’s a common misconception to tilt the head back when you get a bloody nose. The blood has to go somewhere and down your throat could cause you to choke or cause you to cough or vomit further tearing your nasal membranes making the situation worse.
Pinch the most just below the cartilage. Maintain a firm squeeze for at least 5 minutes to help reduce the bleeding allowing a clot to form. Do not make the mistake of releasing early to check if your nose is still bleeding. Maintain pressure for the entire 5 minutes. Placing a cold compress on the nose while applying pressure will also help to constrict the blood vessels and reduce the bleeding allowing a clot to form easier.
After 5 minutes release pressure and check for bleeding. If your nose is still bleeding repeat the previous step for ten minutes until the bleeding has stopped.
After you have a nose bleed make sure to get plenty of rest and keep your head elevated above your heart. Do not pick or blow your nose after a nose bleed or you will end up in the same situation that you began in. Also stay away from lifting heavy objects or straining yourself. This includes relaxing during bowel movements and using stool softeners if necessary.
Consult a doctor if you aren’t able to control the bleeding after two or three tries. It’s always better to play it safe as some nose bleeds from trauma may be the result of a brain injury, especially when there appears to be no other facial injuries.
How to Prevent Nose Bleeds
- Check humidity levels in your house. When living in colder or dryer climates you may need to use a humidifier.
- Don’t pick your nose or blow your nose too hard. If you pick your nose you are asking for a nose bleed. Also try blowing your nose after showers as it requires less effort as the steam will loosen up the dried mucus in your nose.
- Keep your nostrils moist. Once again a humidifier will help with this but so will taking a warm shower and taking some deep breaths.
- Avoid foods you know you tend to have allergic reactions to.
- Limit medications that thin your blood if at all possible.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and smoking.
- Including citrus fruit in your diet can help eliminate recurring nose bleeds. Bioflavonoids can help strengthen blood vessels making it more difficult for them to rupture. You can also find Bioflavonoids in a lot of multivitamins at your local grocery store.
- Place a few drops of castor oil or vitamin E in your nose each day. This will help prevent your nasal membranes from drying out and cracking. Make sure to test for any allergic reactions by placing a small amount on your skin prior to placing it in your nose.