Nosebleed – What is it?
Nosebleeds can be a scary or startling experience. However, they are a common condition that does not necessarily require medical attention.
Our nose contains numerous blood vessels. These blood vessels are located at the back and front near the surface of our nose. They are also very delicate and that certain triggers can make them easily bleed. This usually happens during dry or extremely cold weather.
Nosebleeds can happen anytime and are usually common among adults as well as children between 3 to 10 years old.
Why do nosebleeds happen?
There are two common types of nosebleeds. Nosebleeds that occur when the blood vessels located at the front of our nose is known as anterior nosebleed. When the deepest part of our nose breaks and bleeds, this is known as posterior nosebleed. This type of nosebleed is particularly dangerous as blood would flow down to the back of our throats.
Nosebleeds can happen due to many reasons. The most common trigger for nosebleeds is dry and cold climates. It is because these climates can make the nasal membranes or tissues in the nose dry out. When dryness occurs, the insides of your nose starts to crust and can cause itch or irritation. We normally react to this by poking or scratching which can result in bleeding.
Other reasons for nosebleeds is when we have sinus problems or allergic reactions. This causes us to blow our noses frequently which can result in drying out and cause nosebleeds. High blood pressure or blood clot disorders can also cause nosebleeds.
How do you treat nosebleeds?
When you experience nosebleeds, it’s not usually something to be alarmed about. Although it can usually come off as frightening, but most nosebleeds just usually go away just as quickly as they happen.
However, if nosebleeds do happen after a serious injury or that they last more than 20 minutes, then it is vital to seek medical attention. Nosebleeds that occur because of injuries might include car accidents, being punched in the face, or a hard fall and can signal a broken nose of fracture or internal bleeding and it can be dangerous if not treated immediately.
Although determining the exact cause of nosebleeds is unknown, treatments can also vary. However, there are simple and effective ways to stop and prevent the nose from bleeding.
Below are nine easy tips to effectively stop the nosebleeds.
- Avoid picking at your nose
As soon as a nosebleed happens, we usually react by picking our noses. This can further irritate the lining of the nasal membranes and can likely make your nosebleed again. It is also important that when your nose starts to bleed, avoid stuffing or packing your nose with foreign objects like cotton pads, tampons, or tissues in order to stop the bleeding. Use tissues or washcloth that is damp instead and wipe off the blood as it drips down your nose.
- Stay or sit straight while leaning forward
Though the idea of leaning backward to keep blood the blood from trickling down your nose to your face sounds good, it actually is not. The reason behind is that leaning backward instead can flow down your throat instead and can lead to vomiting or choking. The ideal way to minimize blood flow, lean forward and remain at an upright position while breathing through the mouth.
- Pinch the nose
Once you feel blood dripping down your nose, pinch the fleshy and soft part of your nose beneath the nasal bones. Do this for about 10 minutes to help constrict the blood vessels and make the bleeding stop.
- Do not blow your nose
At times, it can be tempting to blow the nose after a nosebleed to clean out the remains of dried blood inside the nose. However, blowing your nose is a bad idea especially if the nosebleed occurred less than 24 hours ago as it can very likely make your nose bleed again.
- Try using a decongestant spray
Some decongestants are effective when it comes to stopping nosebleeds. One of these sprays, Afrin, contain medical properties that can help tighten the nose’s blood vessels. Moreover, decongestant sprays can also provide relief and comfort from the inflammation inside the nose. Using decongestants if you’re prone to nosebleeds can minimize or stop the nose from bleeding.
- Avoid overexertion
Even if the nosebleed has stopped, the cracked parts of the nasal membrane, as well as the blood vessels, can take time to heal. Make sure that you do not do heavy lifting or strenuous physical activities like carrying groceries or doing household chores. As much as possible, give your nose time to recover to avoid the chances of nosebleeds to happen again.
- Monitor your blood pressure
As mentioned, when your blood pressure is high, it can likely cause nosebleeds. Make sure to check that your blood pressure is normal to avoid the occurrence of nosebleeds.
- Utilize an icepack
Icepacks are useful when it comes to injured blood vessels. It is because icepacks can help tighten the blood vessels and relieve inflammation. To stop or lessen nosebleeds, you can try to use an icepack by covering it in a cloth and apply it on the nose. However, make sure to remove the icepack every 10 minutes before re-applying it to avoid skin injuries or chaffing.
- Avoid bending over or looking down
Just like exerting physical effort after a nosebleed, it is also discouraged to bend down or constantly looking down that can again trigger a nosebleed. Maintain light activities during the day especially if the nosebleed occurred within 24 to 48 hours.
Some tips to prevent nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can often happen at bad times when they get triggered. However, these can be avoided by doing the following things:
– Keep your nasal lining moist by misting your nose with saline spray. This can avoid the mucus from drying out and cracking the blood vessels causing the nosebleed.
– Keep your fingers trimmed. This is also especially important for children.
– If a nosebleed is likely to happen due to sport activities like basketball, try and consider using protective gear on your face to prevent from being injured.
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