NOSE
BLEEDS:
Care and Prevention
Most nose bleeds are mere nuisances; but some are quite frightening, and a few are even life threatening.
Physicians classify nosebleeds into two different types.
2. Posterior Nosebleed: the nose bleed that comes from deep in the nose and flows down the back of the
mouth and throat even if the patient is sitting up or standing
Obviously if the patient is lying down even the anterior nose bleeds seem to flow in both directions, especially if the patient is coughing of blowing his nose.
Nevertheless, it is important to try to make the distinction since posterior nosebleeds are often quite severe and almost always require a physician’s care. Posterior nose bleeds are more likely to occur in older people, persons with high blood pressure and in cases of injury to the nose or face. Nosebleeds in children are almost always of the anterior type. Anterior nose bleeds are common in dry climates and when the air is dry. The dry air parches the nasal membranes so that they crust, crack and bleed. This can be prevented if you will place a bit of lubricating cream or ointment about the size of a pea on the end of your fingertip and the rub it up the nose, especially on the middle portion(the septum).
Many physicians suggest any of the following lubricating creams or ointments; A and D ointment, Mentolatum, Vicks Vaporub, and Vaseline. Up to three applications a day may be needed, but usually every bedtime is enough.
The picture in the right hand corner shows Little's area in the right side of the nose where anterior bleeding usually comes from. The blood vessels can be seen spreading out.
If the nosebleeds persist you should see your doctor, who may recommend cautery to the blood vessel that is causing trouble.
To stop an anterior nosebleed:
If you or your child has an anterior nose bleed, you may be able to care for it yourself by taking the following steps:
1. Pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between your thumb and two fingers
2. Hold it for 5 minutes(timed by the clock)
3. Keep head higher than the level of the heart - sit up or lie with head elevated.
4. Apply ice(crushed in a plastic bag or washcloth) to nose and cheeks
5. Sucking ice is also useful
To prevent re-bleeding after bleeding has stopped:
1. Do not pick or blow nose(sniffing is all right)
2. Do not strain or bend down to lift anything heavy
3. Keep head higher than the level of the heart
If rebleeding occurs:
1. Clear nose of all blood clots by sniffing forcefully
2. Spray nose four times on both sides with decongestant nasal spray(such as Drixine or Otrivine)
3. Pinch the soft parts of the nose together between your thumb and two fingers for five minutes
4. Call your doctor
When to call the doctor or go to the Accident and Emergency Room:
IF bleeding cannot be stopped or keeps reappearing
IF bleeding is rapid or if blood loss is large
IF you feel weak or faint, presumably from blood loss
IF bleeding begins by going down the back of the throat rather than the front of the nose