Nose bleeding is one of the most common health problems that can catch us on a daily basis. It is estimated that many people have had bleeding at least once in their lives. Usually, there is not a lot of blood and the bleeding can be quickly controlled. If you want to know more about nosebleeds – and how to stop them, our article may come in handy.
Where do nosebleeds come from?
Nose bleeding seems to be a trivial, quite common phenomenon. It can occur for many reasons, although we often have no idea why blood suddenly spilled from the nose.
The nose, and basically the nasal cavity, is very richly vascularized. It is necessary to perform such functions as heating, cleaning and moisturizing the inhaled air. Common causes include injuries, impacts, inhalation of irritants, but nosebleeds can make a sign of something more serious happening in our body. You simply cannot ignore it, for your own good!
What to do when blood starts to flow from the nose?
Sit calmly and lean forward slightly. The wings of the nose can be slightly squeezed for a few minutes, and the blood flowing down the throat spit out, not swallowed.
It is worth applying a cold compress to the neck and bridge of the nose, which narrows the blood vessels.
After the bleeding has stopped, it is worth moisturizing the nasal cavity with saline and resting for some time.
Warning! If bleeding does not stop despite your best efforts, see your ENT doctor or GP.
How to treat nosebleeds?
If the bleeding does not stop, it is necessary to visit an ENT doctor who will try to locate the bleeding site and stop the bleeding. Certainly, it will also be necessary to perform additional tests that can indicate the cause of the heavy to stop bleeding.
The doctor may use a non-invasive method of treatment – electrical coagulation or chemical cauterization, after prior anesthesia of the nasal mucosa. If the bleeding site is difficult to locate, it may attach anterior and posterior tamponade.
Invasive treatments are used when the bleeding still stops. Invasive methods of treating nosebleeds include primarily surgical occlusion of blood vessels or embolization of vessels during subtractive angiography. However, these methods are considered as the last resort.
How to take care of yourself after a nosebleed?
When the nosebleed stops, it is worth using nasal moisturizers for some time. This will help prevent further bleeding in the future. You can use normal saline as well as aerosols with the addition of typically moisturizing ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid salts). Properly moisturized nasal mucosa will reduce the likelihood of further bleeding.
Remember that if your nosebleeds last more than fifteen minutes and often recur, you should contact your doctor. It can help you determine the cause of your health condition and show you what to do and what medicines to take so that this condition does not return. Nosebleeds can be a sign of adverse changes in your body, so you cannot underestimate them!