About Nose Bleeds

Overview

Nosebleeds often look scary due to what can appear as a cavalcade of blood, but they are usually not serious. Most often, the bleed can be treated at home. Many people never experience nosebleeds, while others may have them frequently. Most of these bleeds begin in the front part of the nose and generally last only a few minutes, posing a minor nuisance but no real pain.

Causes

Most nosebleeds result from dryness and occur often in winter when people are more likely to stay indoors in heated rooms. Lots of nosebleeds are caused by "picking" as well, especially when the nose is already dry. Less frequently, allergies, respiratory illnesses and snorting cocaine can result in bleeds. Some medical conditions that can cause nosebleeds are atherosclerosis, hypertension and blood clotting disorders. Injuries to the nose can also cause bleeding.

Home Treatment

Most nosebleeds can be successfully treated by a simple technique. Sit down and lean forward when experiencing a bleed. Squeeze your nostrils together with your thumb and index finger. Keep pinching for five to 10 minutes. Release your grip and check to make sure the bleeding has ceased. If it has not, repeat the technique for 10 more minutes, keeping a consistent pressure on the nostrils. If the bleed still continues, it is time to seek medical attention.

Physician Treatment

Sometimes a doctor must be consulted for severe or frequent nosebleeds. The physician may pack the nose with cotton treated with a medication such as phenylephrine, which acts to constrict the blood vessels in the nose. For more severe bleeds, a doctor may need to cauterize (seal off) the bleeding source with a chemical or heat. One other technique he may employ is packing the nose with a sponge that expands and compresses within the nose to stop the bleeding.

Prevention

The best way to prevent nosebleeds is to keep the nose moist and avoid digitally manipulating it. You can invest in a humidifier to add moisture to your home as an aid for preventing bleeds. Another way to help stop nosebleeds is to discontinue smoking, as this activity dries and irritates the nasal membranes. Finally, when you need to sneeze, allow your mouth to stay open to avoid starting a nosebleed.

Warnings

While the majority of nosebleeds begin in the front part of the nose and are not dangerous, there are some that arise from deeper in the nose that do pose a serious threat. These bleeds may be caused by hardened arteries and, less frequently, by high blood pressure. It is important to see a physician if your nose bleeds for more than 15 minutes, as this could be indicative of a bleed from the large blood vessels in the back of the nose. This type of serious bleed is most often seen in the elderly.