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

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 

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 

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 

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