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Kids' Health
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Most of us can recall having a nosebleed at least once in our lives. Nosebleeds are messy, and sometimes scary, particularly when they start unexpectedly. They are seen most frequently in children under the age of 10 and in adults over the age of 50. Nosebleeds are fairly common because the nose bleeds easily. The lining of the nasal passages is thin and full of small blood vessels. The source of bleeding is often the front part of the septum, the cartilage that separates the right nasal passage from the left. Bleeding from this area is usually easy to stop. Less frequently, bleeding comes from deeper in the nose. Possible causes for a nosebleed include picking the nose, vigorous or repeated nose blowing, nasal injury or surgery. Dry air typical of very cold or hot climates may increase the likelihood of nosebleeds, as can the use of indoor heaters. In children, nosebleeds are sometimes due to a foreign object in the nose. Bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, liver disease, or abnormal vessels or bones in the nose are less common causes. Medications that thin the blood such as warfarin, aspirin and pain medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) may make nosebleeds more likely. Take your time The majority of nosebleeds can be handled easily at home. Squeeze the nostrils closed between your thumb and fingers, holding continuous pressure on the soft area of the nose below the nasal bone. Lean forward to avoid swallowing blood and take deep breaths through your mouth. Do this for about 5-10 minutes. If the bleeding has not stopped, repeat for another 10 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention if bleeding continues after 20 minutes. Go to the doctor’s office or emergency room immediately in the event of recurrent nosebleeds, injury to the face or nose, bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, or if blood-thinning medication is being used.m Dr. Richelle K. Marracino is a family practice physician at the UC Riverside Campus Health Center, 951.827.3031. Doctor’s treatment A doctor can treat a nosebleed in a variety of ways. Medicated nose sprays constrict the vessels in the nose, and chemical or electrical cautery seals the site of bleeding. The doctor may insert gauze, foam or a fluid-filled balloon into the nose to apply pressure from the inside. Blood testing is helpful if bleeding has been an ongoing problem, or if a bleeding disorder or blood thinner is the cause. If the nosebleed was caused by an injury, X-rays may be needed. In some cases it may be necessary to see an ear, nose and throat specialist. To prevent nosebleeds: • Avoid nose picking or blowing your nose vigorously. • Keep the nasal passages moist by using a saline nasal spray or applying Vaseline to the inside of the nose. • Use a humidifier in dry climates or during the winter when a heater is used. • Prevent nasal or facial injury by wearing a helmet during sports or while bicycling, skateboarding, etc. • Talk to your doctor if you take any medication that can thin the blood. • The prognosis for a nosebleed is excellent. Nosebleeds are rarely fatal. Most people, even those requiring medical treatment, recover without a glitch. |
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