Tips on Nose bleeding.

Hello friends how's been your week so far

This week we'll be looking at Nose Bleeding. This is something a lot of us are familiar with, so we'll just throw some more insight into what it is and how to handle it.

Things to know about Nose Bleeding.

As the name implies, nose bleeding simply means bleeding through the nose.
Nose bleeds are common. They maybe scary but rarely indicate a serious medical problem.

The nose is abundantly supplied by blood vessels hence its vulnerability to easily bleed.

Nose blessing can be categorized based on where it originates and so based on that we have basically two types of nose bleeding.

1. Anterior nose bleed.
- Usually originates from the front part of the nose.
- The bleeding usually originates from a blood vessel on the nasal septum where a network of blood vessels converge.
- They are easy to control either by measures that can be performed at home or by a health care giver.

2. Posterior nose bleed.
- Originates from the back of the nose.
- Less common than the anterior type.
- This type is more complicated than the first one and usually requires admission in the hospital.
- There's risk of swallowing blood that may trickle down the throat.

Common causes of Nose Bleeds.
- Trauma eg a blow to the nose.
- Allergic Rhinitis.
- Vigorous nose blowing
- Deviated or perforated nasal septum.
- Habitual nose picking.
- Exposure to dry air.
- Skull fracture.


Other causes include;
- Cocaine use.
- Frequent use of Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs e.g Aspirin.
- Use of blood thinning medications e.g Coumadin
- Leukemia
- Blood- clotting abnormalities.


Simple Remedies for Nose bleeding.
- Remain calm when the nose bleed starts.
- Sit up straight and lean your head forward.
- Pinch the nostrils together and apply direct pressure with the thumb and index finger for approximately 10-20mins.
- Spit out any blood in the mouth as swallowing it may irritate the stomach causing the patient to vomit.

What to do after the Bleeding stops.
- Once it has stopped,try to prevent further irritation to the nose such as nose blowing for at least 24hrs.
- Do not use ice packs, it doesn't help nose bleeding.
- Use nasal sprays or humidifiers to moisturise the air inhaled by the nose so as to keep the nasal lining moisturized.
- Trim all long finger nails especially for children.

When to seek medical attention.

- Repeated episodes of nosebleeds or if it fails to stop after 30 minutes  of applying pressure on the nose.
- Additional bleeding from places other than the nose eg urine and stool.
- Any underlying disease such as blood clotting deficiencies.
- When it occurs in a child below 2 years of age.
- When it occurs following an accident especially car accident.

Credits: healthline.com
             :Mayoclinic.org
Photo: Shutterstock.com