Strategies for Halting a Nosebleed
Nosebleeds, or epistaxis as they are medically known, can be a distressing experience for many. However, with the right steps, you can effectively manage and stop a nosebleed at home. Ear, nose and throat surgeon Mohamad Chaaban, MD, provides a straightforward approach to help you deal with this common issue.
When a nosebleed occurs, it's essential to remain calm to prevent increased blood pressure and worsening of the bleeding. Sit upright with your head slightly forward to prevent blood from going down your throat. Pinch the soft part of your nose gently against the middle part (septum) to compress the blood vessels and stop the bleeding. Maintain this position for at least 10 to 15 minutes without releasing the pressure, and keep your head elevated during this time to reduce blood flow to the nose. Breathe through your mouth and avoid blowing or picking your nose.
Optionally, you can apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the nose or forehead to help constrict blood vessels. Be cautious not to lie down or tilt your head back, as this can cause blood to flow into the throat, which may lead to nausea or choking.
If bleeding persists for more than 15-20 minutes despite these measures, or if the nosebleed follows trauma (such as a broken nose), seek medical care promptly. Persistent and recurring nosebleeds can be a sign of another health issue, so if you get frequent nosebleeds, nosebleeds that just won't stop, or if your nosebleeds are accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness or pressure in your face, make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor to get it checked out.
To prevent future nosebleeds, it's important to maintain nasal humidity using humidifiers or nasal saline sprays, avoid nose picking, and manage underlying conditions or medications that may increase bleeding risk. In some cases, an over-the-counter decongestant spray like oxymetazoline (Afrin®, Dristan®, Neo-Synephrine® or Vicks Sinex®) may help. However, be careful not to use these topical decongestant sprays over a long period, as doing so can cause an increase in the chance of a nosebleed.
This approach is consistent across multiple medical sources, including ENT specialists and emergency care guides. By following these simple steps, you can effectively manage a nosebleed and maintain your health.
Adhering to proper techniques can aid in managing nosebleeds effectively. For instance, keeping calm, sitting upright, pinching the soft part of the nose gently, and maintaining this position for at least 10-15 minutes can stop the bleeding. Additionally, applying a cold compress or ice pack to the nose or forehead can help constrict blood vessels, while avoiding lying down or tilting the head back can prevent blood from flowing into the throat. Regularly maintaining nasal humidity, avoiding nose picking, managing underlying conditions, and using over-the-counter decongestant sprays judiciously can help prevent future nosebleeds, promoting overall health and wellness.
