In reality nose bleeding should not be a cause for worry or alarm but due to the excessive amount of blood that may flow during a nose bleeding episode it is quite understandable that instant panic may ensue.
The important thing is to remember that it is not dangerous and that there are simple first aid steps that one can do.
- Keep the person calm since the higher the blood pressure the greater the bleeding and longer it will last.
- Keep the person in an upright position on a chair or allow him or her to lie back with his or head elevated. The key is to have his or head higher than her heart.
- Do not allow the person to lean back for it will only result to the flowing of the blood to the back of the throat, which may only trigger coughing, and vomiting.
- Pinch his or her nose shut using your thumb and your index finger.
- Firmly press the nose gently towards his or her face and remain in this position for a full five minutes without stopping and stop checking if the bleeding has ceased.
- Alternatively, put a piece of moist cotton into the nostril.
- Apply ice to the person’s cheeks and nose for a cooling effect.
- Keep the person calm for the next two hours after nose bleeding.
- Discourage the person from blowing or picking of his or her nose.
- Lastly, apply Vaseline or any lubricant inside nostril particularly on the septum.
The key in preventing more episodes of nose bleeding is first to allow the person after a couple of hours after to bend down. But do not allow him or her to lift or carry anything heavy. Also, for kids, cut their nails to avoid their scratching of the septum.
Although nose bleeding is not a cause for alarm you should see a doctor immediately when the bleeding is from both nostrils and was a subsequent to a blow to the head. Also, when you think the nasal bone is fractured and the bleeding is not stopping despite the lapse of fifteen minutes. As for children, they should be taken to the doctor immediately when he or she has something stuck up on his or her nose and such is hard to remove, he has difficulty breathing and he has been suffering from frequent nose bleeding.