The medical terminology for nosebleed is epistaxis. The common causes for epistaxis are: picking the nose, blowing the nose too hard, trauma, and certain medications. Here are some remedies and first aid tips to manage nosebleeds.
Simple Home Remedies for Nosebleeds
- Ice: stops bleeding almost instantaneously by constricting the blood vessels, and decreasing inflammation.Do not use ice directly; place it in a napkin and then apply. Place the ice bag on the bridge of the nose and hold until the bleeding ceases.
- Vinegar: Take a cotton ball and dip in vinegar. Plug the nostril that is bleeding with the cotton swab. Vinegar seals the blood vessel wall and stops bleeding. Keep the cotton swab in the nose for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
- Oranges: vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen, which creates a moist lining in the nose.Vitamin C rich foods like oranges and limes help prevent episodes of epistaxis.
- Water: Dry winter air dries out the nose lining. Being hydrated helps prevent drying and bleeding. Drink 8 glasses of water everyday, especially during the dry months and when you are in a dry place.
- Salt: nasal irrigation with salt is always very helpful. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of baking soda in to 1 cup of water. Fill the solution in to the syringe and squirt in to one nostril, whilst closing the other. Lower your head over the sink and blow out the water. Repeat for the other nostril.
First Aid to Stop Nose bleeds
- Sit upright or lie back with the head elevated. The head must be higher than the level of the heart.
- You don’t have to lean back. This will cause the blood to flow down the back of the throat and will trigger coughing / vomiting.
- Pinch the nose gently to stem the bleeding.
- Press the nose gently, but firmly, towards the face.
- You may also place a small damp cotton swab in to the nostril.
- Discourage blowing or picking.
- Apply a lubricant on the septum will also help.
- Never try to prick the clot that has formed in the nose.
Causes for Nosebleeds
- Blowing the nose hard and too frequently.
- Picking the nose, especially if the fingernails are long, and if the nostril nose is dry and tender.
- Trauma or blow to the nose.
- Sinusitis
- Deviated septum
- Hot humid weather conditions or changes from bitter cold to warm, dry climates cause drying of the inside of the nose, leading to epistaxis.
- High altitude, with reduced availability of oxygen.
- High blood pressure
- Nasal allergies.
- Certain drugs like: anti coagulants or non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.
- Liver disorders get in the way of normal blood clotting and result in nosebleeds.
- Too much use of illegal drugs.
- Idiopathic or no known cause for the nosebleed