How to Care for Sports Injuries - Bloody Nose

There are many of reasons why people get bloody noses. In the sports arena, though, the cause is clear. You got hit. Whether it be from an errant elbow, a ball, or even the ground, a good whack to the nose can be quite painful and can leave a dull, thick feeling in your head for a little bit. Anytime you get hit in the head, you should be very cautious. If you have any sense of imbalance or confusion, get to a doctor. Concussions and other traumas to your brain should absolutely not be treated on the field, court, or gymnasium.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ice
• Clean cloths

1. Bloody Nose Caused By A Blow
   
   A forceful blow to the nose, on the sporting field or court, will cause temporary pain and a good deal of blood without doing any serious brain damage. The individual with the bleeding nose probably does not want all of that attention and would rather just get back up and continuing playing, but it is advisable to take a few moments to assess whether or not the nose is broken

2. Use Ice For A Bloody Nose
   
   The first line of defense for treatment is ice. Use a wash cloth type material or a plastic baggy to wrap the ice in so it molds over the nose and cheek bones Forget the old wives tales such as pinching the bridge of the nose, leaning over, laying down to stop the bleeding, just sit up straight and keep the ice on. If there is sufficient 'clean' material pack the nostrils. Do not assume that it is just a bloody nose since, if it was hit hard enough, it could be broken.

3. Bloody Nose Are Serious
   
   Continue to changing the packing for about five minutes. By then the blood flow should be slowed down. Keep the ice on the area for at least fifteen more minutes. While you can't diagnose broken bones yourself, if the nose is crooked, or if the bleeding is still very heavy after 5 minutes or so, and especially if the injured person is having trouble breathing through it, then it's time to get yourself to an Urgent Care facility or the Emergency Room.
   
   There could be more significant damage from the forceful contact. If the nose is broken the Doctor will set it and prescribe medication for the pain.

Tips & Warnings

• It cannot be emphasized enough that head injuries are not something to be taken lightly. If you think that your injury might be serious, that the injury might go deeper than a simple bloody nose, then by all means, go to a doctor.

Resources

• How to Care For Sports Injuries - Shin Splints

[Claudia321]

on 9/7/2008 Nice...I get bloody noses out of the blue.

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 8/21/2008 this is one way, better way when it comes from a sports injury or blow to the nose