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Nosebleeds are very common: Most people have experienced a nosebleed at some time in their lives. For the most part, nosebleeds are more of an annoyance than a medical problem, and they usually resolve on their own. Some common reasons for your nose to bleed include minor trauma to the nose, dry air, allergies or sinus infection. Nosebleeds from these causes tend to resolve quickly. More serious -- much less common -- reasons for a nosebleed include serious trauma to the nose, high blood pressure, tumors, bleeding disorders and head or neck aneurysms.
Treatment
Treatment for most minor nosebleeds consists of applying firm pressure to the nose for several minutes. If this simple home treatment doesn't work, and if the nosebleed is severe, was caused by an injury, lasts longer than 20 minutes or interferes with your breathing, MayoClinic.com recommends seeking medical treatment right away.
For most minor nosebleeds, however, you can stop the flow of blood easily, first by sitting or standing upright to slow the flow of blood to your nose. Don't tip your head back, because you will swallow blood. Next, bend slightly forward at the waist to further decrease the risk of swallowing blood. Pinch the sides of the nose, right underneath the bridge, and hold the pressure for at least 5 minutes. Resist the temptation to check if the bleeding has stopped before your 5 minutes have lapsed, because it's the sustained pressure that stops it.
Complications
Occasionally, nosebleeds can cause pretty significant bleeding and will not stop on their own. Often your health care provider can treat significant or recurring nosebleeds with cauterization, which is the "burning" of the blood vessels through chemical or electrical means. If cauterization is ineffective, the nose can be packed with a special gauze. Nosebleeds that originate from farther back in the nose often require more aggressive treatment, with a catheter that has a balloon on the tip. The catheter is inserted into the bleeding nostril and the balloon is inflated over the area of the bleed. This usually provides enough pressure to stop the bleeding.
If you have recurrent or severe nosebleeds, discuss this with your health care provider. Most patients are referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
