Nosebleeds are one of those sorts of things that we all get from time to time, but nobody likes to talk about it. Luckily, getting a nosebleed is pretty common and is rarely a sign of a more serious condition. However, that’s not to say that this condition can’t be a bit scary, or gross. Nosebleeds can be caused by different things, but the most common culprit is nasal dryness. When the lining of the inside of your nose becomes too dry, bleeding can occur because the lining of your nose consists of blood vessels. Nosebleeds can also occur from nasal trauma, taking certain medications, altitude changes, allergies, and from using nasal spray on a daily basis. Since nosebleeds are a common condition, knowing how to stop a nosebleed is essential.
You may have heard different ways to stop a nosebleed throughout your life, and it can be hard to determine which way is the correct way. To put a rest to this, learn what to do when you have a nosebleed.
1. Stand up or sit up straight.
2. Tilt your head slightly forward, not backward. Tilting your head backward can be very dangerous, as the blood can run down the back of your throat and cause problems. You can become sick by doing this, choke on your own blood, and it can even cause pneumonia.
3. If you have a decongestant nasal spray, try using it when you first start to bleed. Decongestant nasal spray constricts the blood vessels in your nose and can help stop your nosebleed faster.
4. Firmly pinch the soft part of your nose shut by using your thumb and forefinger. Most nosebleeds occur in the soft area of the nose.
5. To help constrict the blood vessels in your nose and stop the bleeding, apply an ice pack to your cheeks and nose.
6. Keep your nose pinched closed for 10 minutes. Do not attempt to breathe through your nose. Instead, breathe through your mouth and resist the urge to peek.
7. After a full 10 minutes, check to see if the bleeding has stopped. If your nose is still bleeding, pinch your nose for another 10 minutes.
8. Once the bleeding has stopped, you can put a thin layer of water or saline-based nasal gel inside of your nose.
9. Do not blow your nose, or place anything inside of your nose, for at least 12 hours.
Typically a nosebleed will clear up in less than 15 minutes, but if you get nosebleeds frequently, or have ones that last longer than 20 minutes make an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor.