Simple Steps for Dealing With Nosebleeds
Our Nose can start bleeding suddenly and unexpectedly, from one
or both nostrils, leaving us surprised and startled. If this
occurs on a regular basis, we should ask ourselves why this is
happening, and what can we do to prevent it. It is a common
myth that nosebleeds happen due to high blood pressure. That is
not entirely correct. Your doctor will measure your blood
pressure not because it has caused the bleeding, but to calm you
down and because that is a standard medical procedure. Your Nose
might start bleeding for several reasons. A nosebleed isn't a
symptom of any serious disease. Only general clotting disorders
can cause your nose to bleed and these usually cause bleeding to
other parts of the body as well, such as in your mouth, gums and
under the skin. Nasal membranes often suffer from infections
like when we catch a cold. Another cause of nosebleeds can come
from trauma to the nose, by nose picking or foreign objects,
even when we blow our nose too hard. A dry environment may also
be responsible. Lack of humidity dries of the nasal membranes.
This may occur more often in the dry summer climate or in
wintertime, when temperature and humidity levels fluctuate alot,
heaters dry the room atmosphere, and respiratory infections are
frequent. During a nosebleed, you may see one or both nostrils
bleed. You may also feel fluid flow in the back of the nose and
throat. Sit down and gently lean forward. Don't lean your head
backwards or you will swallow the blood. Open your mouth so that
you can breathe through it. Pinch the soft parts of the nose
together between the thumb and index finger. Hold it for 10
minutes and repeat the procedure until the bleeding stops. That
will stop the vessels that are bleeding by forming a small blood
thrombus. Don't blow your nose for at least 12 hours because the
thrombus might be blown away and the vessels will reopen. Then
you can blow gently to remove the blood clot that has been
formed in your nose. It may also help to apply a cold compress
across the bridge of your nose. If the bleeding persists or
reoccurs, you should see a doctor. He will gently pack the
inside of your nose with gauze or, if bleeding still persists,
he may need to cauterize the vessels with the use of a heated
instrument or caustic chemical. If fierce hitting is what caused
the nosebleed, ask to be examined for abnormalities in the
diaphragm, which can cause breathing problems later. After a
nosebleed you have to be careful for 12 hours at least. Don't
lift heavy objects. Don't take aspirin or other medications that
thin the blood. Do not smoke or be exposed to dry climate, as
this will cause further irritation in the nasal membranes.
Instead, choose a moist environment to keep your nose moist as
well. You can use a humidifier if the indoor atmosphere is too
dry. Also do not pick your nose or force objects in it. The
next time you experience a nosebleed, don't panic. Nobody likes
the view of blood coming out of his or her nose, but it's
probably nothing serious. Follow these simple steps and you will
be fine in no time.