How can Nosebleed be Treated?
Most nosebleeds can be treated at home. However, consult a doctor if bleeding cannot be stopped or there has been heavy blood loss.
Treatment of epistaxis includes the following steps -
- Calm the patient.
- The patient should sit with the upper part of the body tilted forward and the mouth open so that they can spit out the blood instead of swallowing.
- Check to see if there is an object inside the victim's nose and remove it if necessary.
- Pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between the thumb and index finger. Hold the nose for at least 5 minutes. Repeat until the nose has stopped bleeding.
- Apply ice (crushed in a plastic bag or washcloth) across the bridge of the nose and cheeks.
- For dryness of the nose- ointments can be applied.
- A nasal spray decongestant can sometimes be used to close off small vessels if the bleeding persists.
- Nasal packs are used when conservative methods fail.
- Cauterization (the application of a heated instrument or chemical like silver nitrate to stop bleeding) may be required if bleeding persists or recurs.
