Nosebleeds are perhaps one of the most invasive medical occurrences. Suddenly and without warning a warm trickle of blood appears from the center of your face and before you know it you are the center of attention. Nosebleeds are usually related to allergies, excessive blowing, repeated scratching or disturbing of the inside of the nose (commonly called nose picking). Chronic nosebleeds are primarily symptomatic of fragile blood vessels. Medications, such as antihistamines, can also dry out the nasal areas, weakening the vessels and encouraging nose bleeds. Old-fashioned remedies may not help in stopping that bothersome nosebleed. Here is the proper way to administer first aid to nosebleeds.
Instructions
1. At the onset of the nosebleed, pinch the nostril area of the nose inward as hard as you can.
2. Lean slightly forward for 10 mintues to give the blood time to clot. Don't bend over completely; you simply want to ensure that the stream is moving forward and not back toward the throat.
3. After the 10 minutes, release your nose and sit upright slowly. It is important that you do not blow your nose. The desire to do so will be agonizingly strong, but do not blow your nose for the balance of the day.
4. If you find the bleeding has not stopped, try the steps again. If the problem is still occurring, an over-the-counter saline or nasal decongestant spray should help. These immediately constrict blood vessels, thereby ending the bleeding. If you use a nasal spray, you may blow very gently to clear the fluid from your nose.
Tags: your nose, blood vessels, blow your, blow your nose