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Nose Bleed (Epistaxis) - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

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Overview

  • A nose bleed occurs when a small vein, along the lining of nose, bursts 
  • Most nosebleeds look scary, but are harmless 
  • Can be treated at home 
  • Common in children/elderly 

Causes

  • Dryness 
  • Nose picking 
  • Blowing nose with force 
  • Use of medications, like aspirin 
  • Introducing objects into nose (mostly children) 
  • Injuries 
  • Allergies 
  • Infections 
  • High BP 
  • Atherosclerosis 
  • Blood-clotting disorders 
  • Use of cocaine 

Symptoms

  • Bleeding from nose 
  • Sometimes bleeding from ears/mouth too 
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Types

a. Anterior Nosebleed 

  • Affects lower part of wall that separates nostrils 
  • The wall or septum contains blood vessels 
  • These can be broken by blow to nose/fingernail 
  • The bleeding starts from front of nose 
  • It flows outward when patient is sitting/standing 
  • Occurs during dry season/harsh winter 

b. Posterior Nosebleed 

  • The bleeding starts deep within the nose 
  • It flows down the back of the mouth & throat 
  • This happens even when the person is sitting/standing 
  • Occurs in old people/those with high BP/injuries 
  • This type of bleeding is severe/ requires medical help 
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Treatment

  • If your nose bleeds,
  • Sit down and lean forward 
  • Using your thumb & index finger, squeeze soft part of nose 
  • This part is between end of nose and the bridge of nose 
  • Continue holding till bleeding stops- 
  • Do not stop in-between 
  • If bleeding continues, hold for another 10 minutes 
  • If the patient is a child, divert attention by TV/Stories 
  • Avoid picking, blowing or rubbing nose for 2 days 
  • Place an ice pack on the bridge of nose 
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Consult a Doctor If,

  • The bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes
  • The bleeding is caused by an injury 
  • You get nosebleeds often

Prevention 

  • Keep fingernails short
  • Quit smoking
  • Open your mouth while sneezing
  • Use a humidifier at night in case of dry weather 
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