Nosebleeds occur for a variety of reasons, including dry air or picking inside the nose. The inside lining of the nose is filled with many blood vessels close to the surface. If irritation occurs in the nose, bleeding may occur easily. Bleeding from the septum is most common, and the blood flows out the nose from the nostrils. Individuals with high blood pressure or hardened arteries may bleed into the head and down the throat. Treatment options vary depending of the bleeding.
First Aid
Treating a nosebleed that is flowing from a nostril includes using first aid practices. The best treatment for the bleeding is to press the nose together, just under the bones. Use a finger and thumb to pinch the area together and close off the nostrils, states MedlinePlus. Tilt the head forward to keep the blood from going back into the head. Keep the pressure on the nose for a full 10 minutes before releasing. Applying an icepack or a cold compress to the bridge of the nose may also help decrease the bleeding. Avoid putting anything inside the nostrils to stop the bleeding. Seek medical treatment for noses that refuse to stop bleeding after 10 minutes. Avoid blowing the nose or bending over for several hours after the bleeding stops. These activities place pressure on the blood vessels in the nose, and the bleeding may recur.
Nasal Spray
If the nosebleed continues for longer than 10 minutes, a nasal spray may help. An over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray containing the medication oxymetazoline can help curb the bleeding. The ingredients in the medication will close off the tiny blood vessels, states MedlinePlus. After spraying the medication, pinch the nostrils closed again and seek medical attention.
Cauterization
For noses that refuse to stop bleeding, a physician may decide to cauterize the offending blood vessels. Using a medication--called silver nitrate--or an electrical device, the physician burns the blood vessel. This ends the bleeding from the nose. Because this procedure may cause pain, the physician can numb the area first, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Nasal Packing
Although it is not suggested for home treatment, the physician may pack the nose. This packing includes using gauze and a balloon. The physician places the gauze and the balloon into the nostril and inflates the balloon to increase pressure on the blood vessels. This pressure helps end the nosebleed. The physician may use the gauze or the balloon separately to apply pressure as well, states the Mayo Clinic.
Adjusting Medication
Individuals taking medications to thin the blood might experience an increase in nosebleeds. The physician may adjust the dosage of the medicine to decrease the incidents of nose bleeding.
