Nosebleeds
Definition:
Nosebleeds, also called epistaxes (ep-ih-STAK-seez), involve bleeding from the inside of your nose. Many people have occasional nosebleeds, particularly younger children and older adults.
Signs & Symptoms:
Bleeding usually occurs from only one nostril. If the bleeding is heavy enough, the blood can fill up the affected nostril and overflow into the nasopharynx (the area inside the nose where the two nostrils converge), causing simultaneous bleeding from the other nostril as well. Blood can also drip into the back of the throat or down into the stomach, causing a person to spit up or even vomit blood.
Signs of excessive blood loss include:
dizziness,
weakness,
confusion, and
fainting.
Cause:
Other causes of nosebleeds include:
Acute sinusitis
Allergies
Aspirin use
Hemophilia (and other bleeding disorders)
Blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as warfarin and heparin
Chemical irritants, such as ammonia
Chronic sinusitis
Cocaine use
Common cold
Deviated septum
Foreign body in the nose
Nasal sprays, such as those used to treat allergies, if used frequently
Nonallergic rhinitis
Trauma to the nose
How To Cure:
- Pinch the Nose
The easiest way to stop a nosebleed is the time-honored pinch cure. Pinching the nose sends pressure to the bleeding point in the nasal septum, which helps stop the flow of blood immediately.
Sit up straight with your head tilted slightly forward.
Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the soft part of your nose below the bony bridge.
Do this for 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, breathe through your mouth.
Release the pressure gently and sit quietly for 5 minutes.
Repeat as necessary until the bleeding stops.
Note: Do not lay flat, tilt your head back or put your head between your legs. Also, do not blow your nose.
- Cold Compress
A cold compress is another common remedy to stop a bleeding nose. The cold temperature causes the blood vessels to constrict faster and slows down the blood flow. This will stop the bleeding within a few minutes.
Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel.
Sit in an upright position and tilt your head back.
Apply the ice pack across the bridge of your nose for 5 to 10 minutes.
Repeat as needed.
Note: Do not apply ice directly on your nose.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very effective in stopping a nosebleed quickly. It protects the body from excessive blood loss and also helps seal up the broken blood vessel wall.
Soak a small cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and place it lightly into the nostril. Leave it in place for at least 10 minutes and the bleeding will stop. You can also use distilled white vinegar in this manner.
Apple cider vinegar can also be used to prevent frequent nosebleeds. Simply mix 2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it 3 times a day.
