How to Treat a Bleeding Nose

Introduction

Though they're not usually serious, nosebleeds can be very alarming. Most nosebleeds occur when blood vessels in the nasal passage rupture. Because children's nasal blood vessels are more delicate, they are more susceptible to nosebleeds than adults are. Help your patient remain calm by using a relaxed, soothing approach. Here's how to stop the flow.

By: eHow Health Editor

Length: 1:42

Comments: 40

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Have the person with the nosebleed sit down and lean forward so the blood does not flow down the respiratory passage, but keep the head above the level of the heart.

Step2

Press a tissue or cold compress against the nostrils below the bone to encourage clotting.

Step3

Have the person with the nosebleed keep his or her nostrils pinched together for 5 minutes without letting go, or until the bleeding stops.

Step4

Replace the tissue or compress with a new one if it becomes soaked with blood.

Step5

Leave a bowl next to the person so that he or she can spit out any blood that drips down their throat.

Step6

Remove the tissue or compress slowly. If bleeding persists, continue pinching the nose for another 5 minutes.

Step7

After bleeding stops, wash away any blood with warm water. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils to moisturize the area.

Step8

Make sure the person does not sniff or blow the nose for several hours afterward, as this could cause another nosebleed.

Step9

If the nosebleed originates in the back of the nose and does not respond to treatment, seek medical attention. This type of nosebleed, called a "posterior" nosebleed, is common in older people and potentially very serious.

Step10

Visit a doctor or an emergency room immediately if bleeding does not stop or if the patient is weak, pale or experiencing an elevated heart rate. Keep the patient leaning forward with the nose pinched on the way to the doctor's office or hospital.

Comments

amyneuzil said

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on 5/19/2008 Another great tool to have in your first aid kit is homeopathic phosphorus (sometimes shortened to "Phos") - it will help to stop a copious nosebleed and prevent future nosebleeds.

streetsmart1980 said

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on 1/15/2008 The eHow advice is only good for minor nose bleeds. I recommend 'not' pinching your nostrils if it is a more serious nose bleed. When you pinch your nostrils the blood will harden and stick to your blood vessel and your nostrils which are now close together. When you let go of your pinched nostrils they will rip the clotted blood away from the nostrils and you will start bleeding all over again. If you have semi-chronic nose bleeds you will know what I am talking about. I don't recommend petroleum jelly it leaves a terrible taste as does KY Jelly. I prefer Olive Oil, it smells and tastes pleasant and is natural. I personally anoint the inside of my nose every day to keep the mucus from getting hard and causing any damage to my blood vessel. If your child has chronic minor nose bleeds don't torture them with ice packs or wet cloths it just makes it awkward.