Nose bleeds are often the result of common events, usually trauma, but nose bleeds can be a warning of other problems. Nose bleeds are caused by a small blood vessel rupturing. There are two main types of nose bleed, upper and lower septum nose bleeds.

Lower nose bleeds
Most nose bleeds occur within the lower end of the nose in the lower septum. The septum is the semi-rigid wall separating the two channels of the nose that contain blood vessels. These blood vessels lie close to the surface, making them susceptible to injury. Lower nose bleeds do not usually require medical attention unless the bleeding cannot be stopped or it happens in the very young.

Causes of lower end nose bleeds
The most common cause of nose bleeds is trauma. A blow, smack, or sometimes just picking the nose. Dryness inside of the nose can also cause bleeding. High altitudes, colds, allergies and medications are all responsible for nose bleeds.

Treatment of lower end nose bleeds
Sit up straight and pinch the nostrils together firmly for 10 minutes.
You can place a cold compress or an ice pack across the bridge of your nose.Vaseline can be used if the cause of the nose bleed is dryness.
When the bleeding stops do not jump up and down, take things easy, do not blow your nose or it will dislodge the clot and will probably start your nose bleed again.

Upper septum nose bleeds
Upper septum nose bleeds are much more rare. Bleeding begins high within the nose and blood flows down the back of the mouth and throat even when the person is sitting up or standing. These nose bleeds can be very serious and do require urgent medical attention.

Causes of upper septum nose bleeds
High blood pressure

Disease of the arteries such as atherosclerosis

Side effects of medications and drugs such as aspirin, cocaine

Bleeding disorders

Nasal tumors, cancerous and non-cancerous

Serious trauma such as a displaced broken nose from car crashes, falls etc

Leukemia

Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, a hereditary disease where a growth like a birth mark is located in the nose.

Infection

Nose bleeds can occur for no apparent reason.

Treatment of upper septum nose bleeds
Treatment is initially the same as for lower end nose bleeds. Your doctor may have pack the nose with gauze or an inflatable latex balloon if the bleeding does not stop. Cauterization of the bleeding blood vessel may be required. This involves an electrical or heated device to burn the ruptured blood vessel to stop the bleeding. The doctor uses a local anaesthetic before he or she begins this procedure.

To take care of a nosebleed:
• Sit upright and lean forward. By remaining upright, you reduce blood pressure in the veins of your nose. This discourages further bleeding. Sitting forward will help you avoid swallowing blood, which can irritate your stomach.
• Pinch your nose. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch your nostrils shut. Breathe through your mouth. Continue to pinch for five to 10 minutes. This maneuver sends pressure to the bleeding point on the nasal septum and often stops the flow of blood.
• To prevent re-bleeding after bleeding has stopped, don't pick or blow your nose and don't bend down until several hours after the bleeding episode. Keep your head higher than the level of your heart.
• If re-bleeding occurs, blow out forcefully to clear your nose of blood clots and spray both sides of your nose with a decongestant nasal spray containing oxymetazoline (Afrin, others). Pinch your nose in the technique described above and call your doctor.
Seek medical care immediately if:
• The bleeding lasts for more than 20 minutes
• The nosebleed follows an accident, a fall or an injury to your head, including a punch in the face that may have broken your nose
For frequent nosebleeds
If you experience frequent nosebleeds, make an appointment with your doctor. You may need a blood vessel cauterized. Cautery is a technique in which the blood vessel is burned with electric current, silver nitrate or a laser. Sometimes your doctor may pack your nose with special gauze or an inflatable latex balloon to put pressure on the blood vessel and stop the bleeding.
Also call your doctor if you are experiencing nasal bleeding and are taking blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Your doctor may advise adjusting your medication intake.
Using supplemental oxygen administered with a nasal tube (cannula) may increase your risk of nosebleeds. Apply a water-based lubricant to your nostrils and increase the humidity in your home to help relieve nasal bleeding.


 

Select Language English Russian French German Italian Japanese Korean Portuguese Spanish Greek Dutch Hindi