Nose Bleed

Nose bleed usually only occurs from one nostril. In addition, it most commonly occurs during childhood and usually is not serious.

Caution: In cases of recurring nose bleed or nose bleed that does not stop, seek immediate medical attention. In addition, if your nose starts to bleed following a blow to the head, it may be a sign that you have a fracture in the skull. Get to a hospital immediately.

What to do immediately: When there is no danger of skull fracture, do the following: Sit, lean forward, blow all blood out of both nostrils, open your mouth and breathe deeply. As you do so, pinch the lower part of your nose for 5 to 10 minutes, then slowly release pressure and avoid any further contact or pressure with your nose. If your nose bleed continues beyond the first 20 minutes of doing this, pack your nose with gauze and apply crushed ice within a cloth against your nose and cheek. Then lie down and refrain from any motion or activity for another 30 to 60 minutes. If bleeding still continues, see a doctor, as you may need to have the lining of your nose cauterized. In very rare but severe cases, you may also require surgery.

In adults, most nosebleeds occur due to trauma to in the form of blows to the nose. Other causes include blowing nose too forcefully; scratches from the fingernails; irritating crust formations due to colds, infections, or the flu; very dry atmospheric conditions; sudden changes in atmospheric pressure; and/or nutrient deficiencies (most commonly vitamin C and/or bioflavonoids). Reoccurring nose bleeds might be a sign of a disease condition, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), a tumor in the nose or sinuses, or an internal bleeding disorder.

Note: Blood thinners such as Coumadin or aspirin can cause nose bleed. If this happens, notify your doctor immediately.

As with all diseases this did not happen overnight. The very first thing you must do is see a licensed health professional. Find a list of practitioners in your local area here.