First Aid

Early this morning i experienced something i don’t want to repeat: My little cousin started nose bleeding…

Mum came and at once knew what to do: TRP watched from a distance not really know what she was doing till i surfed about it the this morning.

Here is some info i got from MedicineNet.com

Why do people get nosebleeds?

The nose is a part of the body rich in blood vessels (vascular) and is situated in a vulnerable position as it protrudes on the face. As a result, trauma to the face can cause nasal injury and bleeding. The bleeding may be profuse, or simply a minor complication. Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out and crack. This is common in dry climates, or during the winter months when the air is dry and warm from household heaters. People are more susceptible to bleeding if they are taking medications which prevent normal blood clotting [warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory medication]. In this situation, even a minor trauma could result in significant bleeding.

The incidence of nosebleeds is higher during the colder winter months when upper respiratory infections are more frequent, and the temperature and humidity fluctuate more dramatically. In addition, changes from a bitter cold outside environment to a warm, dry, heated home results in drying and changes in the nose which will make it more susceptible to bleeding. Nosebleeds also occur in hot dry climates with low humidity, or when there is a change in the seasons. The following factors predispose people to nosebleeds:

* Infection

* Trauma, including self-induced by nose picking

* Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis

* Hypertension (high blood pressure)

* Use of blood thinning medications

* Alcohol abuse

* Less common causes include tumors and inherited bleeding problems

How do you stop the common nosebleed?

Most people who develop nose bleeding can handle the problem without the need of a physician if they follow the recommendations below:

1. Pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between your thumb and index finger.

2. Press firmly toward the face – compressing the pinched parts of the nose against the bones of the face.

3. Lean forward slightly with the head tilted forward. Leaning back or tilting the head back allows the blood to run back into your sinuses and throat and can cause gagging or inhaling the blood.

4. Hold the nose for at least five minutes. Repeat as necessary until the nose has stopped bleeding.

5. Sit quietly, keeping the head higher than the level of the heart. Do not lay flat or put your head between your legs.

6. Apply ice (wrapped in a towel) to nose and cheeks.

How do you prevent the nose from bleeding again?

1. Go home and rest with head elevated at 30 to 45 degrees.

2. Do not blow your nose or put anything into it. If you have to sneeze, open your mouth so that the air will escape out the mouth and not through the nose.

3. Do not strain during bowel movements. Use a stool softener (for example, Colace).

4. Do not strain or bend down to lift anything heavy.

5. Try to keep your head higher than the level of your heart.

6. Do not smoke.

7. Stay on a soft, cool diet. No hot liquids for at least 24 hours.

8. Do not take any medications that will thin the blood [aspirin, ibuprofen, clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)]. If these have been prescribed by your physician, you need to contact them regarding stopping these medications.

9. Your doctor may recommend some form of lubricating ointment for the inside of the nose (see below).

10. If re-bleeding occurs, try to clear the nose of clots by sniffing in forcefully. You can temporarily use a nasal decongestant spray, such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine. These types of sprays constrict blood vessels. (NOTE: If used for many days at a time, these can cause addiction and do not use if you have high blood pressure.)

11. Repeat the steps above on how to stop the common nose bleed. If bleeding persists, call the doctor and/or visit to the emergency room.

Nosebleed At A Glance

* Nosebleeds are common due to the location of the nose on the face, and the large amount of blood vessels in the nose.

* The most common cause of nosebleeds is drying of the nasal membranes and this can be prevented with proper lubrication of the nasal passages and not picking nose.

* Most nosebleeds can be stopped at home.

* Consult a doctor for a nosebleed if bleeding cannot be stopped, there is a large amount of blood lost, or you feel weak or faint.

* A doctor may use nasal packs to stop nosebleeds when conservative measures fail.

* Do not take aspirin or other blood thinning products when you get a nosebleed (if they are doctor-prescribed, consult your doctor before stopping any medication).

~ by therisingpage on August 28, 2009.