subject: Have You Ever Experienced A Nosebleed? Find Out More About This Sometime Common Ailment [print this page] In the United States alone, one in every seven people will develop a nosebleed at some point in their lifetime. Nosebleeds can occur at any age, but are most common in children aged 2-10 years and adults aged 50-80 years. Nosebleeds can be divided into two types, depending on whether the bleeding is coming from the front or back of the nose.
Simple Steps to Stop the Bleeding
Whether you are at home, in class, at work or on the road, try these simple tips to stop your nosebleed:
*Get some tissues or a damp cloth to catch the blood.
*Sit or stand so your head is above your heart.
*Tilt your head forward and pinch the soft part of your nose together just below the bony center of your nose. By applying pressure, this helps to stop the blood flow and the nosebleed will usually stop with 10 minutes of steady pressure-don't keep checking to see if the bleeding has stopped.
If you get a nosebleed, do not blow your nose because this can trigger additional nosebleeds. Also, be sure to not tilt your head back-although a common practice-because this will cause blood to run into your throat, which can make you cough or choke.
Seek medical care immediately if the bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes or if 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. It is also important to contact your ENT in Norwalk if you experience frequent nosebleeds, or if you are experiencing nasal bleeding and are taking blood thinners.
What is an Anterior Nosebleed?
Most nosebleeds begin in the lower part of the septum, the semi-rigid wall that separates the two nostrils of the nose. The septum contains blood vessels that can be broken by a blow to the nose or the edge of a sharp fingernail. Nosebleeds coming from the front of the nose often begin with a flow of blood out one nostril when the patient is sitting or standing. Anterior nosebleeds are typically common in dry climates or during the winter months when dry, heated indoor air dehydrates the nasal membranes. Dryness may result in crusting, cracking, and bleeding. This can be prevented by placing a light coating of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment on the end of your fingertip and then rubbing it inside the nose, especially on the middle portion of the nose.
What is a Posterior Nosebleed?
Although rare, a nosebleed can also begin high and deep within the nose and flow down the back of the mouth and throat, even if sitting or standing. Yes, when you are lying down, even anterior nosebleeds may seem to flow toward the back of your throat, especially if coughing or blowing the nose. It is important to understand the difference between an anterior and posterior nosebleed, since posterior nosebleeds are often more severe and almost always require a physician's care. Posterior nosebleeds are more likely to occur in older people, persons with high blood pressure, and in cases of injury to the nose or face.
If frequent nosebleeds are a problem, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist. Your ear, nose, and throat specialist will carefully examine your nose to determine the cause of your recurring nosebleeds.
