How To Manage A Nose Bleed

A bloody nose can happen to just about anyone, and it often happens at the most inopportune times. The trick is to calmly manage a nosebleed without panicking, because panic can make the situation much worse. There are many traditional techniques for dealing with a nosebleed, but many of those are really just old wives' tales. However, there are some things you can do to take care of a nosebleed quickly and effectively.

Step 1

Sit up straight, and tip your head forward. Tipping your head back can cause you swallow and choke on your own blood as the blood drips back toward your throat, according to Family Doctor, a website of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Instead, look down at the floor to help stem the flow of blood.

Step 2

Pinch the fleshy area of skin directly under the hard cartilage of your nose, according to the Mayo Clinic website. You can find it by bringing your thumb and forefinger together, then sliding them down the bridge of your nose until you locate the softer area of the nose. Pinching here places pressure on the nose to help stop the bleeding. Breathe through your mouth and keep pressure on the nose for five to 10 minutes, or until the blood stops flowing.

Step 3

Apply a cold compress to the area to help soothe any pain and relieve the swelling that can leave your nose feeling tender and sore, according to Medline Plus. Wet a washcloth under very cold tap water, and squeeze out the excess. Fold the cloth into quarters, and place it over the nose. Replace the compress as it warms, keeping cold on the nose for about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Move slowly and avoid bending down or bumping your nose in the hours following your nosebleed. Trauma can cause the nose to start bleeding again. Never pick your nose or scratch the inside. If the inside of your nose feels dry, use saline drops or use a cotton swab to swipe a small amount of petroleum jelly on the inside of your nostrils.

Step 5

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have a nosebleed that lasts longer than 20 minutes, according to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. You also should see your doctor if you have frequent nosebleeds that disrupt your quality of life. A doctor can cauterize the blood vessels so your nose is less likely to bleed or can pack your nose with gauze to stop the bleeding

Livestrong.com