Genetic disorders can also cause nose bleeding. Hemophilia is the condition where the blood does not clot naturally, symptoms include frequent nosebleeds. If you are taking an anticoagulant like Coumadin, it can cause nose bleeding , when the blood is too thin. It is important to seek medical care immediately if you have a genetic disorder or are taking blood thinners.
Treatment for minor nose bleeding is to hold your head slightly forward and apply continuous pressure and cold compresses to your nose. Hold this position for five minutes. Try this procedure two or three times. If the bleeding does not stop after 30 minutes, go to the hospital. They will administer treatment to stop the bleeding.
After the nose bleeding has stopped, go home and rest with your head elevated. Do not blow your nose. Do not take medicine that will thin your blood like aspirin, Plavix, ibuprofen, or Coumadin. If these are prescribed by your physician, contact him for instructions. Eat cool foods for the next 24 hours, eat nothing warm or hot.
When the nose bleeds anterior, there are some common reasons for this. It can be from a finger or a hit to the nose. Dry air is also a cause. Sitting upright and using the fingers to pinch the nose closed will usually stop these types of nosebleeds.
When the nose bleeding is from the posterior of the nose, the blood tends to drain down the throat into the stomach. These types of nose bleeding are not so common. You will need a medical provider to stop a posterior nose bleeding.
What other nose bleeding causes are there? They can be caused by a variety of reasons, the most common being dry air or dryness inside the nose. A blow to the face or nose can cause nose bleeding. Chronic nosebleeds can also be caused by clotting disorders passed down from family. Everyday nose bleeding causes can include allergies, altitude changes, chemical irritants, dry or cold air, nose picking or vigorous nose blowing.
Here is an overview about nose bleeding that may help you read it easily:
- Nose picking
- Blowing nose with force
- Use of medications, like aspirin
- Introducing objects into nose (mostly children)
- High BP
- Blood-clotting disorders
- Use of cocaine
- Bleeding from nose
- Sometimes bleeding from ears/mouth too
A. Anterior Nosebleed
- Affects lower part of wall that separates nostrils
- The wall or septum contains blood vessels
- These can be broken by blow to nose/fingernail
- The bleeding starts from front of nose
- It flows outward when patient is sitting/standing
- Occurs during dry season/harsh winter
B. Posterior Nosebleed
- The bleeding starts deep within the nose
- It flows down the back of the mouth & throat
- This happens even when the person is sitting/standing
- Occurs in old people/those with high BP/injuries
- This type of bleeding is severe/ requires medical help
- If your nose bleeds,
- Sit down and lean forward
- Using your thumb & index finger, squeeze soft part of nose
- This part is between end of nose and the bridge of nose
- Continue holding till bleeding stops-
- Do not stop in-between
- If bleeding continues, hold for another 10 minutes
- If the patient is a child, divert attention by TV/Stories
- Avoid picking, blowing or rubbing nose for 2 days
- Place an ice pack on the bridge of nose
- The bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes
- The bleeding is caused by an injury
- You get nosebleeds often
- Keep fingernails short
- Quit smoking
- Open your mouth while sneezing
- Use a humidifier at night in case of dry weather