5 Simple Steps to Stop Nose Bleeds!

Nose bleeds, or in medical terms epistaxis, is frequent in people who live in dry climates. Winter can also be the culprit for nose bleeds, as it is the driest of seasons. Nose bleeds can be scary as they can occur at any time, but in most cases, they are harmless.

Causes of Nose bleeds

Apart from an arid climate, there can be several other factors that cause nose bleeds, which include:

·         Allergies

·         Nose Injury

·         Medication side effects

·         Nose picking

·         Blowing your nose

How to stop nose bleeds?

Nose bleeds are mostly not a cause for concern. However, when the bleeding starts, it’s a natural reaction to panic. Don’t worry! Here are 5 ways to stop a nosebleed:

Tilt ahead

Lean your head forward so that the blood drains out of your nose. If you tilt back, there are chances that the blood can get in your throat and cause gagging, choking, or other issues.

Close your nostrils

Pinch your nostrils and close them for 5 to 10 minutes using your thumb and index finger. In this duration, breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. It will squeeze your blood vessels and stop the bleeding. Don’t let it go for 10 minutes, or you may have to start over.

Don’t stuff your nose!

To stop a nose bleed, many people put tissues or cotton balls in their nose. It can cause more harm by upsetting your blood vessels and making the bleeding worse. Instead of that, put a damp cloth under your nose. It will get the blood out of your nose without putting pressure on the vessels.

Use an ice pack

Using ice can reduce inflammation, stop bleeds and decrease muscle pain as well. Cover ice with a towel and put it on your nose gently. It can help halt the bleeding.

Use decongestants

The purpose of decongestant spray is to compress the blood vessels in your nose. Additionally, they can also help slow down or stop a nose bleed. Spraying a decongestant over a cotton pad and putting it on your nose can also help with the bleeding.

What to do after a nose bleed?

A nose bleed can take more than two weeks to heal completely. Meanwhile, you can prevent further nose bleeds by doing the following.

● Consult your doctor

Your doctor will be able to guide you better on why these nose bleeds are happening to you. They can tell you if the cause of your nose bleed is due to the weather, smoking, or any medication that you’re taking.

● Use a Humidifier

Use a humidifier to keep the indoor air pure and damp, even if you live in a dry area. It can reduce your chances of a nose bleed due to the weather conditions.

● Keep your nostrils moist!

Use saline sprays to keep the insides of your nose moist. Petroleum jelly or nasal gels will also do the job. Choose whichever suits you best.

● No more nose picking

Picking your nose is hygienic and can cause nose bleeds as well. So, to prevent your nose from bleeding again, keep your hands away from your nose. Trimming your nails might help as well.

Should I worry about nose bleeds?

Generally, no. However, that is the correct answer only if the nose bleeds are occasional and controllable. Excessive blood loss due to nose bleeds can lead to anemia and is worrisome. It can be concerning if the bleeding persists for more than 30 minutes, you feel dizzy, or the bleeding is heavy. In this case, you might need to consult the Best ENT specialist in Karachi or the Best ENT specialist in Lahore.