A bloody nose can happen anytime. Nosebleeds tend to be more common in the cold, dry months or after a trauma. Ninety percent of nosebleeds occur in the front of the nose near the nostril. This is the area where all the blood vessels meet. It is also the area that is first exposed to the outside environment. The blood vessels here are right under the lining of the nose. If the lining gets dried out or scratched, it may expose the vessels and lead to bleeding.
Stopping a Nosebleed
The best way to help stop a nosebleed is to pinch the nostrils totally closed and hold your chin to your chest. Also, keep your head elevated above your heart (do not lie down). An over-the-counter spray such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine can help constrict the vessels and make it easier to stop nosebleeds. However, you should never use such decongestant sprays regularly to ward off nosebleeds. It is also important not to stick anything in the nose — like tissue. At some point, you have to remove the tissue, and this may in turn pull off the scab and cause the bleeding to resume.
When To Seek Help
If nosebleeds become frequent or severe, you should see a doctor at Midwest ENT. Nosebleeds which are mild to moderate can often be treated in our office by applying a chemical to help stop the bleeding. Severe nosebleeds may require nasal packing. Many of these nasal packs are dissolvable, although some will need to be taken out after 3-5 days. Nosebleeds that do not resolve with these methods may require additional procedures performed in an operating room or by an interventional radiologist.
Nosebleed Prevention
A few simple things should be done to help prevent future nosebleeds. Keeping the lining of your nose moist is probably the most important. Over-the-counter saline sprays or gels can be used several times a day. Using a humidifier in the bedroom or on your furnace can also help. In some cases, better control of blood pressure will be necessary. Coordination between your primary care doctor and one of the doctors at Midwest ENT is key.
Nosebleeds are most often not going to be life-threatening. However, any significant bleeding that occurs and does not stop will require a trip to an emergency room.
Call Midwest ENT Centre at (636) 441-3100 for more information or to schedule an appointment.