Nosebleed

Most of us can recall having had a nosebleed. Nosebleeds are common because its rich supply of fragile blood vessels makes the nose especially prone to bleeding. Nosebleeds usually occur only on one side and are limited in duration. Irritated or very dry membranes in the nose are often the cause of such bleeds. There is usually no need for special treatment. To avoid dry nasal membranes, humidify the air in your home.

Sometimes, the bleeding does not stop within a few minutes. There are some simple measures you can do to stop most nosebleeds:

• Pinch your nose between your thumb and forefinger. Hold fairly tightly for a full 10 minutes before releasing pressure.

• Afterwards, do not blow your nose for a number of hours.

• Try putting an ice pack over the bridge of your nose.

If these procedures do not work after one or two attempts, call your healthcare provider. A health professional may treat more serious nosebleeds by packing the nose with Vaseline gauze or a special balloon to provide pressure. The packing may have to remain in place for a day or so. The bleeding vessel may need to be cauterized so that it will not bleed again.

Other medical conditions may rarely cause nosebleeds. These include:

• kidney problems

• drug side effects and

• blood and clotting disorders

See your healthcare provider if you have recurrent or heavy nosebleeds. A lab test may be needed to determine whether or not your blood is clotting properly.

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