IF RE-BLEEDING OCCURS TIPS ON PREVENTING NOSEBLEEDS

Occasionally after a nose bleed is stopped, it begins to bleed again. You may try the following: HOW TO CARE

 Attempt to clear nose of all FOR blood clots. A NOSE BLEED  Spray nose four (4) times in the bleeding nostril(s) with a decongestant spray* such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine. *(Do not use if you have hypertension).

 Press firmly but gently with your thumb and the side of your index finger toward the face, compressing the pinched parts of the nose against the bones of the face. CALL OR COME TO UHS OR YOUR DOCTOR IF:  Hold that position for a full five minutes by the clock. The Nose is a part of the body  Repeat these steps as neces- rich in blood vessels and it is sary. situated in a vulnerable posi- tion as it protrudes on the face. Call or come to UHS or your doc- tor if bleeding persists.

from the American Academy of Otolaryngology

ANTERIOR NOSEBLEEDS TREATMENT FOR NOSEBLEEDS HOW TO STOP A Most nosebleeds begin in the lower part of the Many physicians suggest any of the following lu- NOSEBLEED septum, the semi-rigid wall that separates the two bricating creams or ointments. They can be pur- nostrils of the nose. The septum contains blood chased without a prescription: If you or a friend has an vessels that can be broken by a blow to the nose anterior nosebleed, you or the edge of a sharp fingernail. This type of  Bacitracin may be able to care for it nosebleed comes from the front of the nose and  Eucerin yourself using the follow- begins with a flow of blood out one nostril when  Polysporin ing steps: the patient is sitting or standing.  Triple Antibiotic  Vaseline FIRST: Anterior nosebleeds are common in dry climates Help the patient stay calm, especially a or during the winter months when heated, dry Up to three (3) applications a day may be needed, but usually every night at bedtime is enough. young child/person. A person who is indoor air dehydrates the nasal membranes. Dry- agitated may bleed more profusely than someone who’s ness may result in crusting, cracking, and bleed- A saline nasal spray will also moisten dry nasal been reassured and ing. This can be prevented if you place a bit of membranes. supported. lubricating cream or ointment about the size of a pea on the end of your fingertip and then rub it Use a humidifier during dry winter months. NEXT: inside the nose, especially on the middle portion of the nose (septum). 1. Pinch all the soft parts of the RECURRING NOSEBLEEDS nose together be- CAUSES OF NOSEBLEEDS tween your thumb  A hot dry indoor climate—This is a trigger and the side of your for nosebleeds in parts of the United States Recurring nosebleeds can also be caused by: index finger. where heat (especially forced-air-heat) is used  Blowing or picking the nose.  Strain or bend down to lift anything Or during the winter months. Changes in the sea- sons is also a factor. heavy. 2. Soak a cotton ball with Afrin. Ne-  Have your head down lower than you oSynephrine, or Dura- Vent spray  Allergies or Infections, that causes itching heart. and place this into the nostril. and lead to picking of the nose.

3. Press firmly but gently with your  Vigorous nose blowing that ruptures superfi- A nosebleed that recurs 4 times or more in thumb and the side of your index cial bleed vessels in the elderly and in the a week needs medical evaluation to deter- finger toward the face, compressing mine the seriousness of the problem. the pinched parts of the nose young. against the bones of the face.  Fractures of the nose or of the base of the Nosebleeds that recurs 2 to 3 times in a skull that can cause bleeding and should be 4. Hold that position for a full five month may mean that a chronic condition minutes by the clock. regarded seriously when the bleeding follows a head injury. such as allergies is causing the nosebleeds. 5. Keep head higher than the level of the heart. Sit up or lie back slightly  Medications which prevent normal blood When nosebleeds cannot be con- with the head elevated. clotting, (i.e. Coumadin, aspirin or any anti- trolled by home treatment, you need 6. Apply crushed ice in a plastic bag or inflammatory medication). washcloth to nose and cheeks. an evaluation by your health profes-  Abnormal growths or tumors, particularly in the older patient or in smokers. sional.