Nosebleed (cont.)
What precautions can you take to prevent nose bleeding?
The most common cause of a nose bleeds is drying of the nasal membranes. If you are prone to recurrent nosebleeds, it is often helpful to try lubricating the nose with an ointment of some type. This can be applied gently with a Q-tip or your fingertip up inside the nose, especially on the middle portion (the septum). Many patients use A & D ointment, Mentholatum,
Polysporin/Neosporin ointment, or Vaseline. Saline mist nasal spray is often helpful (Ocean Spray).
When should you call your doctor or report to the emergency room?
- If bleeding cannot be stopped or keeps occurring.
- If bleeding is rapid, or if blood loss is large.
- If you feel weak or faint, presumably from blood loss.
If the nosebleed persists or is recurrent, see your doctor, who may then recommend stopping the bleeding with a heating instrument or chemical swab (cautery of the blood vessel that is causing the trouble) or application of a topical medicine called thrombin that promotes local clotting of blood. Blood tests may be ordered to check for bleeding disorders. If bleeding is still persistent, the doctor may place nasal packs, which compress the vessels and stop the bleeding. In rare situations, you may be admitted to the hospital or require surgical treatment or a procedure where material is used to plug up the bleeding vessels in the nose (angiographic embolization).
What should I do if the doctor has placed nasal packs?
Nasal packs are used when less conservative measures fail (see above). These packs are frequently placed in both sides of the nose. The packs are usually made of a material called "Merocel" which is a compressed sponge-like material used to help compress the area of the nose that is bleeding. The doctor usually does not remove them for several days (two to
three days). This requires a follow-up appointment.
You will need someone to drive you and bring you home after the nasal packs are removed. During this time, you may be prescribed antibiotics and pain medications as needed.
It is not uncommon for the nose to drain a blood-tinged material. Folded gauze taped under the nose (a mustache dressing) is often useful. Your doctor may permit you to clean your nostrils with hydrogen peroxide soaked Q-tips. Finally, you should consider the prevention methods described above to help to avoid bleeding again.
Remember, patients with nosebleeds should not to take aspirin or any other blood thinning products. If patients are already taking these medications when the nosebleed is noticed, they should consult their healthcare practitioner.
Next: Nosebleed At A Glance »
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