Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions
Signs & Symptoms
* Bleeding from a nostril.
* Bleeding from the nose and down the back of the throat.
Causes
Nosebleeds are often caused by broken blood vessels just inside the nose. Risk factors include:
* A cold or allergies.
* A dry environment.
* Frequent nose blowing and picking.
* Using too much nasal spray.
* A punch or other blow to the nose.
A nosebleed is serious when heavy bleeding from deep within the nose is hard to stop. This type occurs most often in the elderly. It can be caused by: Hardening of nasal blood vessels; high blood pressure; and medicines that treat blood clots.
Treatment
Self-care treats most nosebleeds. A doctor can pack the nostril to stop the bleeding or do a treatment that seals the blood vessel that bleeds.
Questions to Ask
Self-Care / Prevention
* Sit with your head leaning forward. Pinch the nostrils shut. Use your thumb and forefinger to gently squeeze the nose’s midsection.
* Hold for up to 20 minutes without stopping. Use a clock to time this. Breathe through your mouth while you do this. Repeat a second time, if needed. If a second attempt fails, go to an urgent care center or hospital emergency department. Don’t take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
* For the next 24 hours, elevate your head above the level of your heart. Also, try not to blow your nose, lift heavy objects, or exercise hard.
* Use a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer to add moisture to household air.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine