A bloody nose can be irritating and also frightening for people who do not get them frequently. Fortunately, a bleeding nose is rarely serious, and the condition is relatively easy to treat at home. If a nosebleed persists for more than half an hour or is the result of serious trauma such as a blow to the face, however, the patient should seek professional medical attention. In addition, frequent bloody noses can be a sign of a health problem, and they should be addressed by a doctor as well.
If you notice a nosebleed, sit down immediately and gently blow your nose to release clots of blood which may be caught inside. Then, tilt your head slightly forward and pinch the soft tissue of your nose, holding your nose shut for around 15 minutes. If your nose continues bleeding after you release it, repeat the process once. Persistent bleeding indicates a more serious medical problem which can be addressed at the hospital with cauterization or packing. These techniques to stop nosebleeds should not, however, be attempted at home, as it is possible to damage the delicate tissue of the nose with inexperience.
Contrary to popular belief, ice or cold objects applied to any part of the body will not effectively stop nosebleeds. While ice can restrict the blood vessels slightly, it does not work as well as pinching the nose. For younger patients, however, an ice pack can be a distraction from the nosebleed, and it can make the experience less scary. Medications and herbal mixes may not always stop nosebleeds either, and they can in fact increase irritation to the nose, so they should be avoided.
Several things are important to keep in mind when you stop nosebleeds. The first is that the nose should be elevated above the heart, reducing the amount of blood flow to the nose. This is why sitting upright is the best position for treating a nosebleed. In addition, you want to avoid swallowing the blood, as this can cause intestinal upset. Leaning forward will allow the blood to drain out the nose and mouth, and patients should be given a basin to spit into so that blood will not trickle down their throats.
Several common things cause nosebleeds. Nose picking, dry weather, trauma to the face, allergies, and excessive use of nasal sprays and medications are common culprits. Many of these things can be addressed or avoided before nosebleeds become a problem, especially dryness of the nose, which can be countered with the application of a small amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of the nose. If you cannot stop nosebleeds or they occur frequently, the cause may be more complex, and the issue should be addressed.