5 Things You Need to Know About Nose Bleeds

1. Nose Bleeding Culprits

You may be prone to nose bleeds during cold-weather months when the air indoors is warm, dry and irritating to mucus membranes. Children who pick their nose or insert small, foreign objects into their nose can also cause bleeding. Injury, illegal and prescribed medication, clotting disorders and high blood pressure are also common culprits of nose bleeds.

2. Handling Nose Bleeds at Home

Sit down and lean forward slightly so that the blood will drain out of your nose instead of in the back of your throat. Swallowing blood may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Pinch your nose for at least five minutes with your thumb and forefinger at the point between the tip of your nose and the bony bridge. If the bleeding doesn't stop, continue to pinch it for another five minutes. Be sure not to let go. Once the bleeding has stopped, be careful not to induce another nose bleed by bending over or blowing your nose forcefully.

3. Frequent Nose Bleeds are Serious

For a serious nose bleed that doesn't stop within 15 minutes, a doctor will need to intervene to perform an examination. Likewise, you should tell your doctor if you have frequent nose bleeds, as they can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as some cancers, nasal tumors or internal bleeding. If you've been involved in an accident and experience head or facial injury, a doctor will need to examine you to determine the extent of the head trauma.

4. You're Putting a Latex Balloon Where?

Your doctor may use one of two medical means to stop your nose bleed. Cauterization is a method in which your doctor uses a solution or heating device to burn the blood vessels located in your nose to make them stop bleeding. Your doctor may also choose to use latex balloons or gauze packed inside your nose. The idea behind this is that the pressure from either the latex balloons or gauze within your nose would be enough to stop the bleeding. Before either procedure, your doctor will evaluate your condition to determine where the bleeding is coming from and how serious it is and then he will numb your nose with numbing medication.

5. Prevent a Repeat Performance

To prevent your nose from bleeding again once it has stopped, be sure to keep your head elevated 30 to 45 degrees. Refrain from bending forward and don't do any strenous work. Dab a lubricating ointment on the inside of your nose and keep the air inside your house moist with a humidifier to prevent the mucus membranes in your nose from drying out. Always sneeze through your mouth and never through your nose. If bleeding does recur, try using a nasal constrictor, such as Afrin, to stop the bleeding.