Nosebleeds are a common problem, especially here in the northeast. Most are merely an inconvenience, and then less commonly, there are those that are a medical emergency. The most common type is from the front of the nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall in the middle of the nose that separates the two nasal passages. There’s a cluster of tiny blood vessels at the front of the septum on each side. Most children and healthy young adults with a nosebleed are bleeding from this area. This usually is a recurring problem unless treated. Here are a few first aid tips:
- Sit over a sink with the head forward to allow the blood to go into the sink.
- Don’t put your head back or lie down which may allow blood to be swallowed. Swallowing blood may lead to stomach upset or vomiting.
- Pinch your nostrils together and hold for about 5-10 minutes. This will press on the front of the septum and stop the flow of blood from any bleeding vessels. Make sure not to pinch the bridge of the nose.
- If the bleeding is coming from the front of the septum it will usually stop. If pinching your nostrils causes blood to keep flowing down the back of the throat, the bleeding point is probably further back in the nose and can’t be stopped by pinching the nostrils.
- If bleeding continues for 20 minutes, you should seek medical help. Packing the nose or cautery may be necessary.
If putting pressure on your nostrils works but you continue to get nosebleeds on a recurring basis, a saline gel nasal spray and a bedroom vaporizer may be helpful. They will moisturize a dry septum that can lessen the likelihood of the nosebleeds.
More serious nosebleeds may occur in the elderly, people on blood thinners or using nasal oxygen, and people with bleeding disorders, or hypertension. These will more likely need medical attention.