A nose bleed, also referred to as epistaxis, is a common condition affecting approximately 11 percent of all Americans during the course of their lifetime according to the Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation. A nosebleed can occur in the posterior or anterior regions of the nose. The most commonly recognizable type of nosebleed occurs in the anterior portion of the nose, since the blood can be visualized from the nostril. The posterior nosebleed is most common in elderly individuals. There are several cures, ranging from home treatment to surgical procedures.
Home Treatment
Home treatment for epistaxis is most commonly used, especially in the event mild cases. An individual experiencing a nosebleed should sit straight up with the head tilted forward. The nostrils should then be pinched, which promotes blood clotting therefore stopping the bleed. In addition, cold compresses such as cold wet towels, or ice may be applied to the nose to assist in clotting. It is important for the individual to take it easy after the bleeding stops. Heavy activity and nose blowing should be avoided.
Severe Treatment
In rare instances, a nose bleed may be considered severe and require other interventions to control the bleeding. Some symptoms of a severe case of epistaxis include heavy or prolonged bleeding, shortness of breath or flushed appearance. If any of the symptoms arise, a person should seek medical attention. A healthcare professional may choose to pack the nasal cavity or adjust medications, such as anticoagulants or high blood pressure medicine, in an effort to control bleeding. In nasal packing, the nostril is packed with a cotton plug or gauze to control bleeding.
Surgical Procedure
In cases of epistaxis that cannot be controlled by more conservative methods or that are reoccurring, surgical interventions may be necessary. Septum repair, fracture repair or cauterization are the different surgical procedures available. Testing, such as X-rays or computerized tomography, also known as CTs may be done performed to evaluate whether there is a structural cause for the nosebleeds. Cauterization is used for persistent episodes of nose bleeds. During this procedure, the source of bleeding is located through endoscopic visualization and then cauterized or burned.
