To stop bleeding from the nose you should do compression in the nostril with a tissue or apply ice, breathe through the mouth and keep the head in the neutral position or slightly tilted forward. However, when the bleeding does not resolve after 30 minutes, it may be necessary to go to the emergency room, so that the doctor can perform a procedure that controls blood flow, such as cauterization of the vein, for example.
Bleeding from the nose, a scientifically called epistaxis, is the delivery of blood through the nose, and is usually not a serious situation. It can occur when you poke your nose, blow your nose hard or after a blow to the face, for example . However, this type of bleeding may also indicate changes in blood clotting, and it is important to see a doctor whenever it occurs in an intense or repetitive way.
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How To Stop Nose Bleeding
To stop nasal bleeding, you should start by staying calm and picking up a tissue, and you should:
- Sit and tilt head forward slightly ;
- Tighten the bleeding nostril for at least 10 minutes: one can push the nostril against the septum or pinch the nose with the thumb and forefinger;
- Relieve pressure and check for bleeding at the end of 10 minutes;
- Clean the nose and, if necessary the mouth, with a wet cloth or cloth. While cleaning the nose, do not force yourself, you can wrap a handkerchief and clean only the nostril.
In case the bleeding is very intense, the blood can come out through the mouth, being a normal situation.
In addition, if after the compression continues bleeding through the nose, ice should be applied to the bleeding nostril by wrapping it in a cloth or gauze. The application of ice helps to stop the bleeding, because the cold allows the blood vessels to compress, reducing the amount of blood and, stopping the bleeding.
What not to do when you are bleeding from the nose
When you are bleeding from your nose, you should not:
- Put your head back or lie down, as the pressure of the veins diminishes and bleeding increases;
- Introduce swabs in the nose, as it can cause trauma;
- Put hot water on the nose;
Blow the nose for at least 4 hours after the nose bleeds.
These measures should not be made as it aggravates bleeding from the nose and does not aid in healing.
When to go to the doctor
It is recommended to go to the emergency room or consult a doctor when:
- The bleeding does not stop at the end of 20-30 minutes;
- There is bleeding through the nose accompanied by headache and dizziness;
- There is bleeding through the nose at the same time as bleeding in the eyes and ears;
- Bleeding occurs after a road accident;
- Uses anticoagulants, like Warfarin or Aspirin.
Bleeding from the nose is usually not a serious condition and can rarely lead to more serious problems. However, in these cases, an ambulance should be called by calling the 192, or go immediately to the emergency room.
