Nosebleeds: What to Do and How to Stop Them

ByAccess Health Care Physicians, LLC

Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, can be a common occurrence for many people. While they are typically not a cause for alarm, they can be uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to stop. Here’s what you need to know about nosebleeds, including what to do and how to stop them.

Causes of Nosebleeds:

The inside of the nose contains many small blood vessels that are easily damaged. Some common causes of nosebleeds include:

  • Dry air
  • Irritation from blowing the nose too hard
  • Allergies
  • Infection
  • Trauma to the nose, such as from picking or hitting it
  • High blood pressure
  • Blood-thinning medications
  • Alcohol use

What to Do:

If you experience a nosebleed, there are several steps you can take to stop it:

  1. Stay calm and sit upright: Sitting upright can help reduce blood pressure in the nose and decrease the flow of blood.

  2. Pinch the nose: Use your thumb and index finger to pinch the soft part of your nose together. Hold it for 10-15 minutes, leaning forward slightly to avoid swallowing any blood.

  3. Apply ice: Place a cold compress or ice pack on the bridge of your nose to help constrict blood vessels and slow bleeding.

  4. Don’t blow your nose: Blowing your nose can cause further irritation and prolong the bleeding.

  5. Seek medical attention: If the bleeding does not stop after 20-30 minutes or is accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

The Causes and Concerns of Your Child's Nosebleed

Prevention:

There are several steps you can take to prevent nosebleeds from occurring:

  • Use a humidifier: Keeping the air moist can help prevent dryness in the nasal passages.

  • Avoid irritants: If you are prone to nosebleeds, try to avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke, strong odors, and chemicals.

  • Be gentle: Avoid blowing your nose too hard, and avoid picking or rubbing your nose.

  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent dryness in the nasal passages.

  • Talk to your doctor: If you are taking blood-thinning medications or have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about how to prevent nosebleeds.

In conclusion, nosebleeds can be a common occurrence for many people and are typically not a cause for alarm. If you do experience a nosebleed, stay calm and follow the steps listed above to help stop the bleeding. And remember, taking steps to prevent nosebleeds from occurring in the first place can help reduce the frequency and discomfort of this common condition.

At Access Health Care Physicians, we are dedicated to the delivery of primary and specialty care. Our multi-specialty group provides care to the people of Spring Hill, Florida, or other multiple locations. We specialize in the areas of internal medicine, Abdominal Ultrasound, Anodyne Treatment, Blood Draws, Bone Density Testing, Carotid Doppler, etc. Along with the array of services provided by our internists to prevent, diagnose and treat medical conditions in adults, our clinic also offers a number of other specialized services. We will always have time to serve you. You will have direct access to your physicians. We are also helping businesses take command of the healthcare they provide for their employees. No longer will businesses have to struggle to pay for quality healthcare. We will provide higher quality care at a lower price.