Epistaxis is the medical word for bleeding from the nose. This can be mild or severe and can vary in how long it can take to stop.
• Nose Bleeds are slightly more common in men than women.
• Nose Bleeds tend to affect the elderly but are also very common in children.
• Over half of children aged between 6 and 15 years old have nosebleeds regularly.
• Common cold or allergies (e.g. Hay Fever).
• Damage to blood vessels.
• Picking and blowing your nose.
• A dry nose (e.g. due to air conditioning).
• Blocked nasal passages (e.g. Sinusitis).
• High blood-pressure and drinking a lot of alcohol may also increase the risk of nosebleeds.
• Nosebleeds are a common side-effect of some medications such as Aspirin and Warfarin.
• Some blood disorders.
• Head injuries (e.g. from a fall) or nose surgery.
• Sniffing substances (e.g. Cocaine).
To stop a Nose Bleed effectively and help your nose heal properly you should follow the steps below during the bleed:
• If you are not feeling faint, sit up and lean slightly forward.
• With your finger and thumb, pinch the lower fleshy end of your nose completely blocking the nostrils for at least 15 minutes (you will need to breathe through your mouth).
• If available, place a cold flannel on your forehead and around your nose. This can help reduce the size of some of your blood vessels which may help reduce or stop the blood flow .
• Once your Nose Bleed has stopped, do not pick or blow your nose, there should be a blood clot forming inside your nose which helps the healing process. This can feel odd and slightly itchy.
• If you feel faint, you may feel better if you lie flat on your side.
IF THE BLEEDING IS VERY HEAVY OR DOES NOT STOP WITHIN 20 TO 30 MINUTES SEEK MEDICAL HELP WITHIN 4 HOURS.
To help stop yourself getting more Nose Bleeds you should:
• Avoid hot drinks for 24 hours following a Nose Bleed.
• Avoid picking your nose.
• Blow your nose as little as possible and when you do, blow it gently.
• Try to avoid your nose being knocked.
• If you are prescribed medication by your doctor, take it exactly as directed.
• If you have high blood pressure or have thinner blood than ‘normal’, discuss your problem with your General Practitioner (GP).
Some people have recurring Nose Bleeds. They may not be heavy and may soon stop, but these can become distressing.
If this happens, it is advised you talk to your GP about it. If your GP feels it is appropriate, you may be referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat Healthcare Specialist.
Your Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist will discuss the most appropriate treatment with you which could include cauterising (a type of burning that seals your damaged blood vessels) the inside of your nose.
