The sight of blood is frightening for many people. This is why nosebleeds often cause panic. A fairly common condition, most nosebleeds aren’t reason for concern and can be remedied quickly and painlessly. Other nosebleeds may warrant a visit to the doctor. Anyone at any age can experience a nosebleed, but they occur most frequently in kids between the ages of 2 and 10 and adults ages 50–80.
Learn the facts about nosebleeds so you can be prepared the next time you or your child has one.
Bloody Types
Nosebleeds are divided into two categories depending on the location of bleeding. If the bleeding originates from blood vessels at the front end of the nose, it’s called an anterior nosebleed. Bleeding that begins in the back of the nose is called a posterior nosebleed.
The vast majority (approximately 90 percent) are anterior nosebleeds. And this is good news, as this type of nosebleed is easier to control with home remedies or—if necessary—by professional medical treatment.
Posterior nosebleeds are far less common and are more difficult to manage. Someone suffering a posterior nosebleed may have blood that drips out the nostrils as well as down the back of the throat. A trip to the emergency room or a visit to an otolaryngologist (a doctor specializing in the ears, nose, and throat) may be required to stop the bleeding. This type of nosebleed is seen most often in elderly people, those with high blood pressure, or people with a nose injury.
Bloody Causes
Nosebleeds happen most often during the cold, dry winter months. This occurs when the warm, dry air of heated buildings dries out the nasal membranes causing the inside of your nose to become crusty and itchy. If you repeatedly scratch or pick your nose during this time, it may begin to bleed.
Colds may also lead to nosebleeds when frequent blowing weakens the blood vessels in the nose, and allergies can also trigger a nosebleed. When antihistamines and decongestants are taken to relieve an itchy, stuffy, or runny nose, the nasal membranes become excessively dry, increasing the likelihood of a nosebleed.
One of the most dramatic causes of nosebleed is a blow or injury to the face or nose. Kids who play contact sports or play roughly with one another are likely to come running to mom or dad with a bloody nose.
Rarely, nosebleeds are caused by certain health conditions such as liver disease, bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medications, nose abnormalities, or nose cancers.
Bloody Remedy
When someone has a nosebleed, don’t panic. All it usually takes is few simple steps to stop the bleeding.
First, get a tissue or cloth to catch the blood. Then, sit up straight and don’t lie down. By sitting up, your nose will be above your heart. This lessens the blood pressure in your nose. Sitting upright will also help you avoid swallowing blood.
While attempting to stop the bleeding, lean your head forward. This small step may further prevent blood from flowing down your throat, which can lead to coughing, choking, or vomiting and make the situation altogether worse.
Next, take your thumb and index finger and pinch the end of your nose on your nostrils for as long as 10 minutes. This places pressure on the bleeding to slow the flow of blood. Don’t stop pinching to see if the flow as stopped and don’t blow your nose to remove the blood, as this will only make it worse.
When you’re absolutely sure the bleeding has stopped, prevent a reoccurrence by not blowing your nose, lifting heavy objects, or doing rough activities for 24 hours.
When to Call the Doctor
Most nosebleeds should heal quickly. However, if the bleeding goes on for more than 20 minutes despite following the steps above, you’re worried the nose may be broken, or you have a nosebleed more than once a week, see a physician.
Upper Lip Stop Spot
Want a rather interesting way to stop a nosebleed? Try this out. When suffering a nosebleed, apply pressure to your upper lip. A blood vessel is there that travels to the nose. Some say slowing blood flow in this vessel will slow your nosebleed.
