First Aid for Nosebleeds

Nosebleed or (Epistaxis) is the relatively common occurrence of hemorrhage from the nose, usually noticed when the blood drains out through the nostrils.

There are two types: anterior (the most common), and posterior (less common, more likely to require medical attention). Sometimes in more severe cases, the blood can come up the nasolacrimal duct and out from the eye.

Fresh blood and clotted blood can also flow down into the stomach and cause nausea and vomiting. It is rarely fatal, accounting for only 4 of the 2.4 million deaths in the U.S. in 1999

Seek immediate medical attention if:

1. Blood flows from both nostrils and doesn’t stop for 20 minutes
2. The nosebleed has occurred after a head injury
3. The bleeding lasts for longer than half an hour despite applications of cold and pressure
4. The bleeding resulted from a severe blow that also caused dizziness and nausea
5. The nose looks crooked or displaced in any way
6. The individual is elderly
7. The individual has high blood pressure
8. The individual is using blood-thinning drugs

First Aid for Nosebleeds

While you wait for medical attention:

1. Sit down and lean forward. Have the individual lower her head and leave her mouth open. Try to stop the
   bleeding by pinching the soft part of the nostril closed by pressing with the thumb and index finger, below the
   cartilage, for at least ten minutes. Release the pressure slowly.
2. Loosen any clothing around the neck.
3. Apply a cold water compress to the base of the skull and top of the nose to help constrict blood vessels. After ten
   minutes gradually release the nostrils, but still sit quietly and avoid blowing the nose for at least three hours.

Most nosebleeds don’t last longer than 15 minutes. Take it easy and rest for at least half an hour afterward. Avoid vigorous exercise for a day or two so that the nose doesn’t start bleeding again. Avoid tobacco smoke since it can dry out the nasal passages and make them prone to bleed.

If you frequently get nosebleeds, check with your doctor. You may also consider taking a supplement of vitamin C with bioflavonoids.

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