Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can be a little frightening when they first occur, but they are not usually signs of anything serious. Instead, they typically happen because of minor irritations in the nose and are more common in kids under ten and adults over 50
Common causes of nosebleeds
The most common cause of a nosebleed is the drying out of the membranes that line the nose. When these become dry and irritated, the blood vessels in the nose can break and begin to bleed. This occurs most often in the winter months but can happen year-round. Other things that can cause nosebleeds include:
- Colds
- Allergies
- Sinus infection
- Nose picking
- Blowing your nose too hard
- Frequent sneezing
- Nasal sprays
- Blood-thinning medications
- Objects in the nose
- Trauma to the nose
If you suffer from frequent nosebleeds, they may be occurring for a more serious reason, such as high blood pressure, vascular disease, or tumor.
Treatment: How to stop the bleeding
The first step to treating a nosebleed is to stay calm. Most of the time, a nosebleed looks worse than it is. There is usually less blood than there appears to be. Once you’ve calmed down, sit down and lean forward slightly. Next, pinch the soft part of your nose using your thumb and index finger to close your nostrils. Stay like this for at least 5 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Don’t blow your nose afterward because it can cause bleeding to begin again.
If your nose is bleeding from an injury to the face, or your nose has been bleeding for over 20 minutes, you should seek medical attention. You may need to have your nose bleed cauterized or your nose packed. In addition, some medications can cause nosebleeds; if you suspect this, ask your doctor about alternative medications.
How to prevent recurring or chronic nosebleeds
If you have been suffering from recurring nosebleeds, there are a few things you can do to prevent them. Some of these include:
- Keeping the nasal lining moist by using sprays or a humidifier
- Quit smoking
- Switch medications
If you can’t seem to stop your chronic nosebleeds from happening, you should schedule with us today.