How to Stop Nose Bleeding

By DrJewell

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Nosebleeds can occur due to various reasons, for example, accidents, sports ( boxing) , fighting , nose picking, and certain, medical conditions, like , high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and medications (aspirin,anticoagulants). This article will show you various ways to try and stop the nose bleed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
The key is to try and stop the nosebleed as quickly as possible. First , sit the person down on a chair and don't tilt the head back or lie the person down on the back because these positions will cause the blood to flow back into the throat or nasal passages and the person will be at risk of choking or regurgitation by having to swallow copious amounts of blood. 1
Step2
Apply pressure with the thumb and index finger to the fleshy soft area near the top of the nose and squeeze firmly. Hold this position for a few minutes ( 6 minutes) and release. if the bleeding continues then repeat the process again. The nose bleed should have had enough time for the blood to clot and stop the bleed, If the bleed still continues after 10-15 minutes then take the person to the ER or doctor to seek medical attention.
Step3
Using an ice pack will also help to stop the nose bleed because the cold temperature will cause the capillaries around the nose to constrict and reduce the blood flow to that area. Wrap some ice cubes in a cloth and place it on the bridge of the nose region for several minutes. Repeat this several times until the nose bleed has subsided.
Step4
Some people are sensitive to the surrounding air temperature and if the air is too dry then it can cause a nose bleed. A way to prevent this from occurring is to moisten the environment by using a humidifier in the room. This will help the lining of the nasal passages and the mucus membrane to be moist and prevent cracking and bleeds.
Step5
Certain medication can cause nose bleeds such as anticoagulants and aspirin (which prevent the clotting mechanism in the body). If you are susceptible to frequent nosebleeds or having increased episodes of nose bleeds due to anticoagulant medication you must go and speak to your doctor about this problem immediately.
Step6
Avoid certain food products that contain high levels of salicylates. This compound is very similar to aspirin and interferes with the body's own clotting mechanisms. Foods like raisins, tea, coffee, apricots, bell peppers, tomatoes should be avoided. Be proactive about your health and research the different types of food that might have high levels of this compound and adjust your diet accordingly. Speak with your nutritionist or your medical doctor.
Step7
For any person who have frequent bleeds it might place them at risk to becoming anemic so you should increase the intake and take regular vitamins and supplements, such as iron tablets and vitamin C. Also take the recommended daily dosage for your age and health status. If you are not sure about this then you should consult and speak with your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

  • Seek immediate medical attention if the bleed does not stop after 15 minutes. it could be a sign of something more serius than superficial bleeding. Have this check out by a medical doctor. Take the person to the ER.
  • Look to see if the fluid draining from the nose is red which would indicate a nose bleed. If the person has sustain a serious head injury the fluid from the nose might be clear and watery in characteristic. This is a medical emergency because it could be cerebral spinal fluid due to a fracture skull or facial injuries. Cal EMS if the victim cannot move. DO NOT move the victim if you suspect spinal cord injuries.
  • If you have frequent episodes of nose bleeds then you shpuld go and have a full physical and medical examination with your doctor to seek if there is a serious cause for the bleeds. Certain medical conditions can cause the person to have frequent nose bleeds. Get checked out and be proactive about maintaining your own health.
  • This article is written to educate and inform and is not a substitute or replacement for seeking professional medical attention from you own medical doctor or health care provider.

Comments

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on 3/19/2008 One thing of note, if you have frequent nose bleeds you may have a genetic disease called HHT. It's a very rare blood vessel disease that if not addressed, can possibly lead to stroke or worse. See hht.org for more information if you think you fall into this category. They give you all the symptoms.

silkcook said

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on 1/31/2008 Thanks Dr Jewell, it works (step 2). You are amazing!

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on 1/29/2008 This is what I do also, put pressure, and I tell others to do the same.

grouch said

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on 1/26/2008 Ice works wonders. My son's best spot is under the top lip. One small ice chip works wonders.

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eHow Article:  How to Stop Nose Bleeding

eHow Expert: DrJewell

DrJewell

Expert: Health

Profession: Clinical Research Physician & Scientist

Location: Los Angeles, CA

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