Nosebleeds
Epistaxis is the medical term for nosebleeds. Most are minor and easily treated, but frequent or severe nosebleeds may signal a more serious issue, such as tumors, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
Seek medical attention if nosebleeds are recurrent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
What Causes Nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds occur when blood vessels in the nasal lining break, often due to dryness or irritation. Common triggers include:
– Dry winter air
– Colds, allergies, or sinus infections
– Blowing the nose too hard
– Nasal fractures
Types of Nosebleeds:
– Anterior: Most common, occur in the front of the nose, usually easy to control.
– Posterior: Rare but serious, originate from arteries in the back of the nose, more common in the elderly, and require immediate medical attention.
How Are Nosebleeds Treated?
1. Sit down and lean slightly forward.
2. Pinch your nostrils together with your thumb and index finger.
3. Hold for at least 5 minutes or until bleeding stops.
4. Do not blow your nose afterward.
Seek medical attention if the bleeding persists or is caused by an injury.
Cauterization Of Chronic Nosebleeds
For persistent nosebleeds caused by an enlarged vein or artery, cauterization may be recommended. This quick procedure stops bleeding by applying heat or a chemical agent to the blood vessel.
– Methods: Silver nitrate or electrocautery
– Purpose: Seal the vessel to prevent further bleeding
– Typically performed in a doctor’s office with minimal discomfort.
What to do after your nosebleed treatment
Going forward, it will be important to try to keep your nose moisturized.
Medications and Nasal Hygiene
Nasal Saline Spray:
Start today in both nostrils, several times per day (e.g., Ocean or Simply Saline).
Antibiotic Ointment (if prescribed):
Apply mupirocin to the nasal septum twice daily for 5 days.
After 5 Days:
Switch to a nasal gel or ointment (e.g., Vaseline or AYR gel).
Minimize Nose Manipulation:
Avoid nose blowing for 24 hours; use light blowing for the following week.
Humidifier:
Consider using one in your home or bedroom.
Ongoing Nasal Hydration:
Continue sprays and ointments for at least 2 months, or longer during dry months.
Other Medications:
Continue all prescribed medications, including blood thinners. Discuss persistent nosebleeds with your prescribing doctors before stopping any medications.
For any future nosebleeds:
Apply Afrin nasal spray (oxymetazoline) generously to the bleeding side, or soak a cotton ball in Afrin and insert it into the nostril.
Pinch the soft part of your nostrils and hold pressure for at least 10 minutes without releasing.
If bleeding continues, reapply Afrin and hold for another 10 minutes.
Positioning: Sit slightly forward and spit out any blood that goes down the throat.
Seek help: If bleeding persists after 20 minutes, call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
