Nosebleeds occur when one of the blood vessels in the nose’s lining bursts. Owing to the position of the nose and the high density of blood vessels it contains, nosebleeds are quite common.

Although most nosebleeds aren’t serious or life-threatening, at times, they could indicate an underlying medical condition. Leukemia is one such example. The medical term for a nosebleed is epistaxis.

When we breathe in air, the tiny blood vessels in the nose aid in moistening and warming the air. However, these blood vessels are situated in proximity to the inner surface of the nose and could get irritated and dry when air moves through the nose.

This is why they get easily injured or break, which is what leads to a nosebleed. In this article, we will be discussing how to recover from a nosebleed, how to look after nosebleeds, and much more.

 What Causes Nosebleeds?

The causes of a nosebleed could be:

• Direct injury
• Foreign bodies
• Humidity
• Irritants such as exposure to fumes or smoke
• Blood diseases
• Nasal surgery
• Liver disease
• Inflammation
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Calcium deficiency
• Medical condition that affects the blood vessels
• Illegal drugs
• Changes in air pressure and altitude

What Not to Do for a Nosebleed

Here is what you shouldn’t do when you have a nosebleed:

•  Bend over for too long
• Recline your body or lie down while your nose is still bleeding, as this can make the blood run down your throat, and swallowing it can lead to vomiting or an upset tummy
• Eat spicy and warm food
• Vigorously blow your nose or pick your nose

 Who is Prone to Nosebleeds?

Anyone can experience a nosebleed. However, some people are more prone to them, and they include: 

• Children between the ages of two to 10
• Adults between 45 to 80 years old
• Individuals with blood clotting disorders
• Pregnant women
• Individuals who consume blood-thinning medications

Complications of a Nosebleed

A nosebleed is rarely fatal. However, excess blood loss could lead to certain complications, such as:

• Unclear vision
• Nasal discharge that smells bad
• Anemia
• Nasal deformity
• Loss of consciousness
• Nasal membranes becoming stiff

How to Stop a Nosebleed With First Aid

Step 1: Place a bowl underneath the nose of the patient to collect the blood so you can monitor how much they’ve lost. Nosebleeds are usually unilateral, see if you can identify which side it is. Although this doesn’t make a difference for the first aid management, if a person suffers from recurrent nosebleeds on one side they could have a medical procedure to treat it.

Step 2: Ask the person to tilt their head forwards and pinch the soft part of their nose for ten minutes. Encourage them not to pick at their nose or sniff. Ask them to breath through their mouth. 

Step 3: After ten minutes release the pressure and see if the bleeding has stopped. If it hasn’t, reapply the pressure. You can also try placing something cool on the nose (ice pack etc.) to constrict the blood vessels.

Step 4: Once the bleeding has stopped, clean up any blood from around the face/mouth. Tell the person not to sneeze/pick at their nose/sniff for several hours as this could cause the bleeding to start again.

It can be very difficult to get a child to sit still and hold their nose, so try your best. In some cases you might have to hold their nose for them.

If the bleeding does not stop (after around 20 – 30 minutes), you should seek medical advice. In addition, if the cause of the nosebleed is unclear or they are recurring you should also seek advice.

A nosebleed after a head injury can be the sign of a more serious injury, therefore urgent medical assistance should be sought.

I Thought Someone With a Nosebleed Should Tilt Their Head Backwards?

A common misconception is that you should tilt the head backwards. This isn’t recommended as blood will travel back down into the mouth and the stomach. This can make the patient feel sick and vomit. Instead, ask the patient to lean forwards so that blood drains away from the airway and stomach.

Why Do People Have a Sudden Nosebleed for No Reason?

If your nose starts to bleed all of a sudden, it could be because of:

• Blowing your nose too hard.
• Picking your nose.
• Facing a minor injury to the nose.
• Experiencing changes in temperature or humidity.

Home Care for a Nosebleed

The first thing one needs to do to treat a nosebleed at home is to stop the bleeding. Home care for a nosebleed involves the following steps:

• Sit down.
• Pinch the soft areas of your nose in a firm way and breathe through your mouth.
• Lean forward so that the blood doesn’t drain into your throat and sinuses.
• Sit upright so that your head is positioned above your heart.
• Do not consume alcohol or hot liquids or smoke for a few days
• Restrict blowing your nose for around 12 hours

When Should You See a Doctor for a Nosebleed or Bloody Nose?

If you’re an adult, you should get in touch with your doctor if:

• You get frequent nosebleeds
• You get a nosebleed after surgery or a sinus infection
• Your nosebleeds are not in connection to cold or minor irritants

If your child has a nosebleed, a doctor should be contacted when:

• The nose doesn’t stop bleeding after you apply direct pressure to it for 20 minutes
• The child experiences symptoms such as tiredness, vomiting, dizziness, or headaches
• An object is stuck in their nose

Emergency medical care will be necessary if:

• Your nose doesn’t stop bleeding even after 20 minutes
• Your nose is broken
• You’ve experienced nosebleeds in the past that required specialist care
• Your nosebleed occurs following a head injury
• You consume blood thinners

Tips for Recovering from a Nosebleed

Listed below are some tips to recover from a nosebleed:

• Don’t blow your nose for the next two days, after which you can blow it gently
• Avoid picking or rubbing your nose
• Keep your head elevated while sleeping
• Don’t close your mouth while sneezing
• Don’t consume medications that contain ibuprofen or aspirin
• Avoid bending over, lifting heavy items, and straining your body during a bowel movement

FAQs

Conclusion

Nosebleed is a common medical condition that can be quite irritating. By knowing how to stop a nosebleed, you will be able to recover well and also help anyone around you who experiences a nosebleed.

Although most cases of nosebleeds aren’t serious, one must get in touch with their doctor if they have an existing medical condition or if they occur frequently.