Bleeding from the nose commonly occurs due to the damage of tiny blood vessels that line the inner side of the nose. Most nose bleeds are harmless, can occur due to excessive sneezing, blowing or drying of the nose. Blood can ooze out from one or both the nostrils and the bleeding can last from a few seconds to sometimes more than 10 minutes.
However, it is possible to successfully stop a nosebleed with the below mentioned measures.
Avoid cleaning your nose after bleeding
Do not clean your nose after bleeding as this can dislodge the clots and can re-initiate the bleeding. It is safe to gently wipe off the visible blood using a soft cloth dipped in lukewarm water. A crust may form inside your nose after bleeding; it is better to leave it that way as it prevents further bleeding and helps in healing. Avoid forceful sniffing or blowing, as this can cause further damage and bleeding can reoccur. Try rubbing gently with ice on the affected area.
Try to know the cause so as to manage the condition better
It is important to know the cause for this bleeding.Bleeding from the nose can last longer if you are suffering from some medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart problems, clotting disorders, chronic allergies or when taking medicines like anticoagulants, anti-histamines (antihistamines also dry the nasal passages). Consult your doctor, if you have been prescribed any such medication before stopping them to control your bleeding.
In many cases, nose-bleeding is due to vigorous blowing or sniffing of nose, drying of nasal membranes etc. Take rest for about half an hour to an hour preferably in a sitting position, to prevent bleeding and for allowing the blood to clot. Remain calm and avoid getting tensed. Avoid lying in a flat position. Do not strain yourself or attempt to bend down or lift things.
Have some water to keep yourself well-hydrated and to clear the throat
Keep sipping water at regular intervals to keep yourself hydrated and for cleaning your throat. Blood in the throat can give rise to many uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, vomiting etc. One common reason for nose bleeding is drying off the nasal membranes especially during some seasons. The vessels close to the skin surface get ruptured and as a result bleeding occurs. This usually happens in dry weather, so you should have plenty of water to avoid further drying, if the cause for the bleeding is dehydration.
Avoid taking beverages or other hot drinks (at least till 24 hours) as they can dilate the blood vessels lining your nose, instead have water at intervals.
Change your posture
If youarein astanding position, then just sit down and lean forward to prevent blood flow through the throat and breathe through your nose. Stay in this position for about five to ten minutes. It is better to allow the blood to drain through your nose itself. Avoid tilting your head while bleeding occurs, as, there is risk of blood passing to the esophagus or stomach as a result of which choking or vomiting can occur. Stay for sometime in forward position itself and avoid bending toward back, as, blood can accumulate in your sinuses. It is better to let it flow through your nose itself as this collected blood will eventually drain through your nose.
Try the pinching technique
You cantry the commonly used pinching technique where you pinch the softer portions (just above your nostrils) of your nose rather than the bony part. Continue this pressing with the help of your thumb for about 10 minutes. Avoid inserting any cotton or tissue to stop the bleeding. In case, the bleeding continues, you can try using a nasal decongestant spray to constrict the blood vessels. Before using this spray, gently blow your nose to clear and then use a squirt of the spray.
Another option which you can try is, use a cool vaporizer to moisten those dry nasal membranes or else slowly breathe in through your mouth and exhale through your nose to moisten your breath to an extent. Bleeding gets controlled by taking such measures, if dryness has caused the blood vessels to rupture. Use a humidifier, in case of extreme dry weather conditions to control the condition.
A reassuring fact is that most nose bleeds self-resolve within a span of 20-30 minutes and the condition can be handled without the need of the physician.
In case the bleeding persists, you should consult a doctor straightaway. You can always take necessary precautions like avoiding smoking and lifting heavy things, sleeping in an elevated position etc, as suggested, preventing such conditions in future.
