Another Nosebleed!!

Head back or head forward? Ice to the neck or not? Pinch the bottom or the top of the nose? Blow or not? These may be some of the questions you have about how to treat a nosebleed. But the answer to all those questions is simple: whatever works.

If you asked five different health care professionals what they recommend, you would probably get five different answers.

I've seen and treated plenty of nosebleeds and I'll offer my recommendations.

First, and most important, keep calm. The anxiety you may be experiencing will only raise your blood pressure and make your nose bleed even more and longer. Nosebleeds are common and almost everyone will experience at least one in their lifetime.

Second, apply pressure. Pinch your nose. Place your thumb against the area where your nose and face meet. Push. Put pressure from your index finger in the same position on the opposite side of the nose. Pinch. Keep the pressure for at least 5 mins. without stopping. Watch a clock.

Next, elevate. Nose up. Elevating your nose allows you to use gravity to your advantage--keeping the blood in the rest of your body down below your nose. Blood and blood clots will begin to drip down the back of your throat. Spit it out. If you do the opposite and bend your head down low, all the blood in your head will continue to feed the open blood vessel.

Fourth, water. In the winter, the dry heat will irritate the delicate lining inside the nose and may cause bleeding. A humidifier will add moisture to the air and help to prevent this irritation and nosebleeds. Saline nasal spray, AYR gel, and other intranasal moisturizing products are available for purchase from most stores and are effective tools to keep the nose moist and less prone to nosebleeds.

Adding water to the air is essential, but so is adding water to your body. Even mild dehydration can greatly affect the nasal lining and make it more prone to irritation and bleeding.

If you try all of these suggestions and the bleeding has not stopped or slowed significantly, it's time to see a doctor or visit your nearest emergency room. You should also see a doctor if you have multiple episodes of bleeding.

Several of our appointments are reserved every day for urgent needs, so if you or someone you know experiences a nosebleed that requires treatment during office hours, call us for an immediate appointment: 570-387-4368.