Nosebleeds are common in children and adults, normally involve only one nostril and often stops by itself. They can happen when the membrane lining of the nose become dry and cracked in winter or in a dry climate, or with an injury to the nose, excessive nose-picking or too forceful nose-blowing. Nosebleeds are also associated with diseases like high blood pressure and blood clotting disorders, or can be caused by allergies, infections, or drugs (i.e. aspirin).
Instructions
Instructions
1. Take a deep breath in order to relax and slow your heart rate. Sit down with your head leaning slightly forward, keeping it above your heart level. Do not tilt your head backwards; it may cause the blood to go down your throat. Swallowed blood may cause you to vomit and worsen the bleeding. Spit out any blood in your mouth.
2. Soak a cotton ball with Afrin, Neo-Synephrine or Dura-Vent spray and put it into the nostril, or spray the nostril directly. Pinch the soft part of your nose with your thumb and index finger for about five to 10 minutes and breathe through your mouth. If bleeding continues, repeat for another 10 minutes.
3. Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the bridge of the nose and cheeks. Cold helps stop the bleeding.
4. Call 911 or local emergency number if the person becomes unconscious or has severe bleeding. Position the unconscious person on the side to allow blood to drain from the nose. Also seek medical attention if the bleeding continues for 30 minutes or more, recurs or is a result of high blood pressure.
5. Avoid rubbing, blowing, sniffing and/or picking the nose afterward. Continue keeping your head higher than your heart level. Avoid bending or lifting immediately following a nosebleed.
Tags: your head, your heart, bleeding continues, blood pressure, heart level