Nosebleed:How To Stop It,When To Call A Doctor,And Tips That May Help Prevent It

[LoShiNi]

What to do if you have a nosebleed

In most cases, nosebleeds aren’t a sign of anything serious. But you should know what you should not to do when you have a nosebleed:

You can usually stop them on your own with the following steps:

1. Try not to get nervous as it can make the bleeding worse.


2. Stay in an upright position and don’t lie down. It will help decrease blood pressure in the vessels in your nose.


3. Lean forward. It will help prevent the blood from draining down the back of your throat and getting into your stomach, which can cause irritation.


4. Pinch your nose closed with your thumb and index finger and hold for about 5–10 minutes.

5. The bleeding is supposed to stop, and once it does, don’t blow or pick your nose and don’t bend down for a few hours.

When to call a doctor if you have a nosebleed

Seek medical care if a nosebleed:

- happens in a child younger than 2 years;

- happens after a serious injury, such as a car accident;

- makes it hard to breathe;

- is profuse;

- doesn’t stop within 20 minutes;

- has become a regular occurrence.

You should also call your doctor if you’re taking a blood-thinner, e.g. warfarin, or have a clotting disorder, such as hemophilia, and can’t stop the bleeding.


Is there a way to prevent nosebleeds?

You may not be able to avoid them altogether, but there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting a nosebleed:

- keep the inside of your nose moist when the air is dry, apply a little petroleum jelly to the inside of your nostrils 3 times a day or use a saline nasal spray;

- use a humidifier at your home if the air there is dry;

- don’t smoke because smoking can cause irritation and dryness of your nose;

- don’t pick your nose and teach your children to do the same; keep your and your child’s fingernails short;

- don’t blow your nose vigorously;

- don’t overuse decongestants;

- put on protective headgear before taking part in activities in which you may sustain an injury to your nose or head.