The moment you get a nosebleed, it is better to stop whatever you are doing and just relax. Don’t worry and panic after seeing sudden nosebleeds. When you become anxious by seeing the blood dripping down, your blood pressure rises – which in turn make the situation worst. Therefore, it is better not to worry as most nosebleeds are minor issues and may sometimes go away on their own and a few will stop completely with minimum treatment.
How to Stop A Nosebleed: Don’t focus more on the bloody nose – instead pay attention to the side that is bleeding because when a nose bleeds heavily, it looks as if blood is coming from both the sides of the nose – but this is not the case. Majority of nosebleeds begin from only one side of the nose. Therefore, a better understanding of bleeding is important -especially the side which is bleeding will be helpful for taking further steps and controlling measures. The steps that you should take when you experience nosebleeds are mentioned below. They should never be considered as nosebleeds treatment, but only as preventive measures.
When the front end of the nose bleeds, it is an indication that you have an anterior nosebleed. If you are standing, sit down and relax and then squeeze the soft part of your nose.
Close your nostrils and keep them closed for a few minutes – and then slightly lean forward and breath through your mouth.
Don’t try to lie down to stop a nosebleed as this may cause the blood to go into the stomach and irritate it.
Application of cold compress over the bridge of the nose or use of decongestant or nasal spray can work to stop a nosebleed.
Apply Pressure
Applying pressure is the best measure one can take to control bleeding – not only nose bleeds but bleeding anywhere in the body. When pressure is applied directly on the area that is bleeding, it helps in compressing the ruptured blood vessels and augments the process of coagulation – and thus helps in stopping the bleeding. However, prior to applying pressure, diligently assess the side of the nose that is bleeding, and then calm down.
Firmly hold the front of the nose with index finger and thumb as if you want to avoid bad odour. It is better if you can prolong the pinch and the recommended time is for at least 10 minutes. The longer the nasal compression the better – but do it within your comfort zone. See this video for help
Use Otrivin – Nasal Congestion spray /Nasal Saline Spray
Otrivin is the best nasal spray for sinusitis or the best non-prescription nasal spray for sinus congestion – but it can also be used if nasal compression or nasal pinching fails to stop nosebleeds. The active ingredient in Otrivin is Oxymetazoline. It helps in long-duration blood vessel constriction. Otrivin is also effective in controlling nosebleeds effectively for a short period of time.
How to stop a nosebleed using the nasal spray Otrivin?
Prior to using the nasal spray Otrivin – blow the side of the nose that may have blood clots (this will be the side of the nose that is bleeding). Next, take the Otrivin bottle and then tilt your head back – held the bottle upright and take its tip very close to the bleeding nostril – and then squeeze the bottle or shot two to four drops into the nostril. While doing so if you swallow a large amount of Otrivin and blood, then don’t worry – this will not do any harm to you. Once you finish the process, then lean your head forward and then pinch your nose for another 10 to 15 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop then repeat the process once.
Take Rest – After you have successfully stopped your nosebleeds – take rest as long as you can to make the process of improvement even better – and therefore – immediately avoid any work or exercise, which can do more damage. Furthermore, don’t apply ice packs over the nose bridge or on the back of the neck.
When to see an ENT specialist?
In spite of taking all the measures available at your disposal if a nosebleed does not stop or when nosebleeds have become a frequent affair for you, you must see an ENT Specialist. You may need a complete nose examination. Your doctor may use cautery (heat or chemical application) to seal up blood vessels and to stop nosebleeds.
If you are unable to stop a nosebleed on your own, then it could possibly be a posterior nosebleed – which may require intensive treatment. In posterior nosebleed, the nose bleeds from the back. In this case, you must see an ENT specialist immediately.
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