Nose Bleed (Epistaxis) - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Overview

• A nose bleed occurs when a small vein, along the lining of nose, bursts
• Most nosebleeds look scary, but are harmless
• Can be treated at home
• Common in children/elderly

Causes

• Dryness
• Nose picking
• Blowing nose with force
• Use of medications, like aspirin
• Introducing objects into nose (mostly children)
• Injuries
• Allergies
• Infections
• High BP
• Atherosclerosis
• Blood-clotting disorders
• Use of cocaine

Symptoms

• Bleeding from nose
• Sometimes bleeding from ears/mouth too

Types

a. Anterior Nosebleed

• Affects lower part of wall that separates nostrils
• The wall or septum contains blood vessels
• These can be broken by blow to nose/fingernail
• The bleeding starts from front of nose
• It flows outward when patient is sitting/standing
• Occurs during dry season/harsh winter

b. Posterior Nosebleed

• The bleeding starts deep within the nose
• It flows down the back of the mouth & throat
• This happens even when the person is sitting/standing
• Occurs in old people/those with high BP/injuries
• This type of bleeding is severe/ requires medical help

Treatment

• If your nose bleeds,
• Sit down and lean forward
• Using your thumb & index finger, squeeze soft part of nose
• This part is between end of nose and the bridge of nose
• Continue holding till bleeding stops-
• Do not stop in-between
• If bleeding continues, hold for another 10 minutes
• If the patient is a child, divert attention by TV/Stories
• Avoid picking, blowing or rubbing nose for 2 days
• Place an ice pack on the bridge of nose

Consult a Doctor If,

• The bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes
• The bleeding is caused by an injury
• You get nosebleeds often

Prevention

• Keep fingernails short
• Quit smoking
• Open your mouth while sneezing
• Use a humidifier at night in case of dry weather