Nosebleeds are very common, as the nose is very rich with blood vessels. Bleeding from the nose is also called epistaxis. It affects 60 percent of the general population. Nosebleeds commonly occur due to cold, nose picking or blowing, injury to the nose and in cold winter months. Most minor nosebleeds can be managed at home initially. If the bleeding is massive, persistent and recurrent, you should go to your doctor or an ENT specialist.
Home Care
The initial care of a bleeding from the nose involves giving pressure to the nose. The soft portion of the nose should be pressed between your thumb and index finger for 10 minutes according to National Institutes of Health.
You should open your mouth and breathe through it with the head tilted forwards. A little ice may be then rubbed over the bridge of your nose. These measures will help control most of the bleeds.
Cauterization
When the bleeding persists, you should see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will locate from where the bleeding is arising and treat you. If the point where the bleeding is arising is seen, your doctor will close the blood vessels using a chemical like silver nitrate. A silver nitrate stick is put on the bleeding site for 30 seconds, according to American Academy of Family Physicians. This procedure is called chemical cautery. He may also use electric current (called electrocautery) to close the blood vessels.
Nasal Packing
If the source of bleeding cannot be seen and bleeding persists, your doctor may pack your nose. Complete packing of the nasal cavity is done with gauze soaked in petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment. Alternatively, nose can be packed with a compressed sponge. This will compress the blood vessels and stop the bleeding. This procedure will require you to be admitted to the hospital.
Other Measures
With very severe intractable nasal bleeds, your doctor may advise you undergo surgery. This surgery is done to tie up the blood vessel to stop the bleeding. Occasionally, a procedure called embolization is done. Here, a small sponge will block the blood vessel that causes the continuous bleeds.
Precautions
Patients should avoid blowing the nose too hard and should not pick the nose. The head should be at a higher level while sleeping. Avoid excessive straining and bending down. You should be off all blood thinner medicines, as they may cause you to have a nosebleed. You should apply a lubricating ointment or Vaseline to your nose to prevent it from drying up.
