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
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