Definition
A nosebleed is loss of blood from the tissue lining the nose. Bleeding most commonly occurs in one nostril only.
Causes
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Definition
A nosebleed is loss of blood from the tissue lining the nose. Bleeding most commonly occurs in one nostril only.
Causes
Repeated nosebleeds may be a symptom of another disease, such as high blood pressure, allergies, a bleeding ...
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Considerations
Nosebleeds are very common. Most nosebleeds occur because of minor irritations or colds. They can be frightening for some patients, but are rarely life threatening.
The nose contains many tiny blood vessels that bleed easily. Air moving through the nose can dry and irritate the membranes lining the inside of the nose, forming crusts. These crusts bleed when irritated by rubbing, picking, or blowing the nose.
The lining of the nose is more likely to become dry and irritated from low humidity, allergies , colds , or sinusitis . Thus, nosebleeds occur more frequently in the winter when viruses are common and heated indoor air dries out the nostrils. A deviated septum, foreign object in the nose, or other nasal blockage can also cause a nosebleed.
Most nosebleeds occur on the tip of the ...
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Other Names
Bleeding from the nose; Epistaxis
Home Care
Sit down and gently squeeze the soft portion of the nose between your thumb and finger (so that the nostrils are closed) for about 5-10 minutes. Lean forward to avoid swallowing the blood and breathe through your mouth. Wait at least 5 minutes before checking if the bleeding has stopped. Almost all nosebleeds can be controlled in this way if enough time is allowed for the bleeding to stop.
It may help to apply cold compresses or ice across the bridge of the nose. DO NOT pack the inside of the nose with gauze.
Lying down with a nosebleed is not recommended. You should avoid sniffing or blowing your nose for several hours after a nosebleed.
Prevention
A cooler house and a vaporizer, to return humidity to the air, help many people with frequent nosebleeds. Nasal saline spray and petroleum jelly ointment (such as Vasoline) can help prevent nosebleeds, especially during the winter months.
References
Pallin DJ. Epidemiology of epistaxis in US emergency departments, 1992 to 2001. Ann Emerg Med . 2005; 46(1): 77-81.
Kucik CJ. Management of epistaxis. Am Fam Physician . 2005; 71(2): 305-311.
Marx J. Rosens Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:933.
Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005:942-960.
