Nosebleeds can occur at any time. They may be a symptom of another condition or they may occur as the result of an accident or injury. Some patients experience occasional nosebleeds, characterized as a condition called epistaxis. Prolonged exposure to dry air and picking of the nose are the most common causes of nosebleeds, according to MayoClinic.com. A bloody nose can be treated relatively easily with first aid and self-care treatment methods.
First Aid
Implementing first aid after a nosebleed is essential to preventing the development of other symptoms. After a nosebleed begins, it is important to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. This can be done by squeezing the soft portion of the nose to block the flow of blood. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the key to this is holding this area or applying pressure for 10 full minutes. The patient should sit with his head tilted forward instead of backward to avoid choking on or swallowing any blood. A towel or rag should be placed under the nose to catch the blood. However, it is not recommended to place gauze in the nose because it blocks the flow of blood that can clear the nasal passages. The patient should avoid lying down, sniffing or blowing his nose for up to several hours after the nosebleed.
Cold Compress
Some patients experience pain or soreness after they experience a nosebleed. Until the nosebleed is completely cured or if the nosebleed is a symptom of another condition, taking a pain reliever may not be the best method of treatment for pain or soreness. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that a cold compress can be applied to the bridge of the nose to prevent or alleviate pain or soreness.
Nasal Spray Decongestant
For some patients, the general flow of blood does slow after about 10 minutes, but they still experience some minimal bleeding. In those instances, it may be beneficial for the patient to utilize a nasal spray decongestant, which helps to constrict blood vessels in the nose and control or eliminate any residual bleeding. Afrin and NeoSynephrine are two commonly available nasal spray decongestants that can be obtained over-the-counter.
