Nosebleed treatment at home. Effective Home Remedies to Stop Nosebleeds: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
What are the most effective home remedies for stopping nosebleeds quickly. How can you prevent frequent nosebleeds at home. What causes nosebleeds and when should you seek medical attention.
Understanding Nosebleeds: Types and Causes
Nosebleeds, medically known as epistaxis, are a common occurrence that can be alarming but are usually not serious. There are two main types of nosebleeds:
- Anterior nosebleeds: Occur when blood vessels in the front part of the nose rupture
- Posterior nosebleeds: Happen when blood vessels closer to the throat rupture
Anterior nosebleeds are more common and can often be treated at home, while posterior nosebleeds may require medical attention. But what causes these blood vessels to rupture in the first place?
Common Causes of Nosebleeds
- Dry air, especially in heated indoor environments or arid climates
- Upper respiratory infections
- Aggressive nose blowing or picking
- Facial or nasal injuries
- Allergic reactions
- Overuse of nasal sprays
- Foreign objects inserted into the nose
- Blood-thinning medications
- Chemical irritants
Understanding the cause of your nosebleeds can help you take steps to prevent them in the future. Now, let’s explore effective home remedies to stop a nosebleed in progress.
4 Steps to Stop a Nosebleed at Home
When you experience a nosebleed, it’s important to act quickly and calmly. Follow these four steps recommended by medical professionals to stop the bleeding:
- Sit upright and lean forward: This position reduces blood pressure in the nasal veins and prevents blood from flowing down your throat.
- Gently blow your nose: Clear out any clotted blood, then spray a nasal decongestant if available.
- Pinch your nose: Use your thumb and index finger to firmly pinch both nostrils shut for 5-10 minutes, breathing through your mouth.
- Repeat if necessary: If bleeding continues, repeat the process for up to 15 minutes total.
After the bleeding stops, avoid bending down, picking your nose, or blowing your nose for several hours to prevent recurrence. Keep your head elevated above your heart level.
Natural Home Remedies for Nosebleeds
In addition to the standard first aid approach, several natural remedies can help stop nosebleeds and promote healing:
1. Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the bridge of your nose can constrict blood vessels and slow bleeding. How does this work? The cold temperature causes vasoconstriction, narrowing the blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the area.
2. Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting. Consuming foods rich in vitamin K, such as leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, may help prevent frequent nosebleeds. You can also apply vitamin K cream directly to the inside of your nose to promote clotting.
3. Saline Nasal Spray
Keeping your nasal passages moist is key to preventing nosebleeds. Saline nasal sprays can help hydrate the nasal membranes and reduce irritation. How often should you use saline spray? For prevention, 2-3 times daily is usually sufficient, especially in dry environments.
4. Humidifier
Using a humidifier in your home, particularly in bedrooms, can counteract the effects of dry air. This added moisture helps keep nasal passages from drying out and cracking, which can lead to nosebleeds.
Preventing Recurring Nosebleeds
While knowing how to stop a nosebleed is important, preventing them from occurring in the first place is even better. Here are some effective strategies to reduce the frequency of nosebleeds:
- Keep nasal passages moist with petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment
- Trim children’s fingernails to discourage nose picking
- Use a humidifier in dry environments
- Avoid overuse of nasal decongestants
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Stay hydrated to keep mucous membranes moist
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of nosebleeds and maintain healthier nasal passages.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Nosebleeds
While most nosebleeds can be managed at home, there are situations where medical intervention is necessary. Seek emergency care if:
- The nosebleed follows a serious injury, such as a car accident
- There’s an unusually large amount of blood
- You’re having difficulty breathing
- The bleeding continues for more than 30 minutes despite compression
- The patient is a child under 2 years old
- You’re experiencing frequent nosebleeds
In these cases, it’s crucial to get professional medical help promptly. Don’t attempt to drive yourself if you’re losing a significant amount of blood; call for emergency services instead.
The Role of Diet in Preventing Nosebleeds
Your diet can play a significant role in preventing nosebleeds. Certain nutrients can strengthen blood vessels and improve overall nasal health. Consider incorporating these foods into your diet:
Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps in the formation of collagen, which strengthens blood vessel walls. Which foods are high in vitamin C? Citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and leafy greens are excellent sources.
Foods High in Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids work synergistically with vitamin C to strengthen capillaries. Where can you find bioflavonoids? They’re abundant in colorful fruits and vegetables, particularly in the skin and pith of citrus fruits.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce nasal inflammation. How can you increase your omega-3 intake? Incorporate fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel into your diet, or consider a high-quality fish oil supplement.
By focusing on a nutrient-rich diet, you can improve your overall health and potentially reduce the frequency of nosebleeds.
Understanding the Impact of Medications on Nosebleeds
Certain medications can increase the likelihood of nosebleeds. It’s important to be aware of these and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider:
Blood Thinners
Anticoagulant medications like warfarin, heparin, and aspirin can make you more prone to nosebleeds. Why do blood thinners cause nosebleeds? These medications interfere with the blood’s ability to clot, making it easier for even minor irritations to cause bleeding.
Nasal Sprays and Decongestants
While these can provide relief from congestion, overuse can dry out and irritate nasal passages. How long can you safely use nasal sprays? Most over-the-counter nasal sprays should not be used for more than 3 days in a row to avoid rebound congestion and increased risk of nosebleeds.
Antihistamines
These allergy medications can dry out nasal passages, potentially leading to cracking and bleeding. What can you do if you need antihistamines? Consider using a saline nasal spray in conjunction with your antihistamine to keep nasal passages moist.
If you’re experiencing frequent nosebleeds and are on any of these medications, consult your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatments.
Environmental Factors Affecting Nosebleeds
Your environment can significantly impact the health of your nasal passages and your susceptibility to nosebleeds. Understanding these factors can help you take preventive measures:
Altitude
High altitudes can cause nosebleeds due to the dry air and lower oxygen levels. How does altitude affect nasal passages? The combination of dry air and increased breathing rate can quickly dry out and irritate nasal membranes.
Air Pollution
Pollutants in the air can irritate nasal passages, leading to inflammation and potentially nosebleeds. What can you do to protect yourself in polluted areas? Consider using an air purifier in your home and wearing a mask when outdoors in heavily polluted areas.
Seasonal Changes
Transitions between seasons, particularly from summer to fall or winter to spring, can trigger nosebleeds due to changes in temperature and humidity. How can you prepare for seasonal changes? Start using a humidifier before the dry season begins and gradually adjust your indoor temperature to match outdoor conditions.
By being aware of these environmental factors and taking proactive steps, you can reduce your risk of environmentally-induced nosebleeds.
Nosebleeds, while often harmless, can be distressing and inconvenient. Understanding the causes, knowing how to treat them effectively at home, and implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce their frequency and impact on your daily life. Remember, while most nosebleeds can be managed with home remedies, frequent or severe nosebleeds warrant medical attention to rule out any underlying health issues. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can take control of your nasal health and enjoy clearer, more comfortable breathing.
Home Remedies: 4 steps to stop a nosebleed
By
Dana Sparks
Most nosebleeds aren’t serious and will stop on their own or by following self-care steps.
Seek emergency medical care if nosebleeds:
- Follow an injury, such as a car accident
- Involve a greater than expected amount of blood
- Interfere with breathing
- Last longer than 30 minutes even with compression
- Occur in children younger than age 2
Don’t drive yourself to an emergency room if you’re losing a lot of blood. Call 911 or your local emergency number or have someone drive you.
Talk to your health care provider if you’re having frequent nosebleeds, even if you can stop them fairly easily. It’s important to determine the cause of frequent nosebleeds.
Self-care steps for occasional nosebleeds include:
- Sit upright and lean forward.
By remaining upright, you reduce blood pressure in the veins of your nose. This discourages further bleeding. Sitting forward will help you avoid swallowing blood, which can irritate your stomach. - Gently blow your nose to clear out any clotted blood. Spray a nasal decongestant in the nose.
- Pinch your nose.
Use your thumb and index finger to pinch both nostrils shut, even if only one side is bleeding. Breathe through your mouth. Continue to pinch for five to 10 minutes. This maneuver puts pressure on the bleeding point on the nasal septum and often stops the flow of blood. - Repeat.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop, repeat these steps for up to a total of 15 minutes.
After the bleeding has stopped, to keep it from starting again, don’t pick or blow your nose and don’t bend down for several hours. Keep your head higher than the level of your heart.
Tips to help prevent nosebleeds include:
- Keeping the lining of the nose moist.
Especially during colder months when air is dry, apply a thin, light coating of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or antibiotic ointment (bacitracin, Neosporin) with a cotton swab three times a day. Saline nasal spray also can help moisten dry nasal membranes. - Trimming your child’s fingernails.
Keeping fingernails short helps discourage nose picking. - Using a humidifier.
A humidifier will counteract the effects of dry air by adding moisture to the air.
This article is written by Mayo Clinic staff. Find more health and medical information on mayoclinic.org.
Related articles
Mayo Clinic Minute: How heat affects medication
Finding ways to keep your body cool during extremely high temperatures is important, and so is ensuring your medications aren’t exposed to extreme heat.
Scott Hall, a Mayo …
By Deb Balzer • July 14, 2023
Understanding effects of heat on mental health
A heat wave is affecting parts of the U. S., including much of the Southwest, through the Southeast and parts of Europe. When temperatures soar, the …
By Deb Balzer • July 13, 2023
Mayo Clinic Minute: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Extreme heat continues to cause issues across the country and the globe. Excessive heat warnings are out in many areas, including the Phoenix area where …
By Jason Howland • July 12, 2023
8 Most Effective Home Remedies for Nose Bleeding
Nose bleeding is also known as Epistaxis. It is a common problem for someone people. But, those who experience it frequently, get irritated by it. At the very least, it is an alarming symptom indicating something is quite wrong. The sight of blood dripping down your nose can shock.
Fortunately, there are a lot of home remedies that can help you with a nosebleed. Also, before that, you need to that there two types of nose bleeds. One is anterior nose bleed and, another, posterior nose bleed.
Anterior nose bleed happens when the blood vessels in the front part tend to rupture. Whereas, the posterior nose bleed occurs when the blood vessels that are slightly closer to the throat get ruptured. The bleeding, in this case, may continue up to 20 minutes.
Anterior nose bleeding is common and can be cured with home remedies. On the other hand, posterior nose bleeding requires medical attention. So, if you are suffering from nose bleeding, by the end of the blog, you’ll learn about the home remedies and fix it right away. We are also sharing what causes nose bleeding in the first place.
Also Read: How To Get Rid Of A Stuffy Nose Instantly?
Table of Contents
Causes of Nose Bleeding
The nose is packed with tiny blood vessels and is one of the sensitive parts of the body. When these vessels experience disruptions, blood tends to start flowing from the nostrils. Know the common reasons that may inflict nose bleeding.
- Dry, heated indoor air
- Living conditions such as dry, hot, low-humidity climate
- Upper respiratory infections
- Harsh nose picking or nose blowing
- Injury in the nose or face
- Allergic reactions
- Excessive usage of nasal sprays
- Inserting foreign objects in the nose
- Blood thinners
- Chemical irritants
How To Stop Nose Bleeding?
Here are the steps to stop a bloody nose-
Be calm
It is normal to get anxious when you see blood from the nose. But don’t worry as this is fatal in nature.
Lean forward
Lean forward to slow down the blood flow. If blood gets inside the mouth, spit it out and do not swallow.
Sit upright
Make sure you do not tilt the head back or lie flat. Or else, you can choke on your own blood.
Apply a spray
You can spray a decongestant inside the nose through the nostril which is bleeding.
Avoid putting something inside the nose including tissues when it is bleeding. This can make the bleeding worse.
Pinch the nose
Pinch that side of the nostril which is bleeding for 10 minutes. Keep a track of time to ensure that you don’t open it to check continuously.
Observe and react
After 10 minutes, if the bleeding continues, pack it with cotton ball with a nasal spray. Keep the packing for 10 minutes.
When blood pressure is elevated, it tends to cause nose bleeding.
Do not blow
Avoid blowing the nose for two days of the nose bleeding.
Avoid exertion
To fully heal the nose bleed, it can take up to 2 full weeks. Avoid lifting heavy weights or strenous activities such as exercising.
Tips That Can Treat Nose Bleeding At Home
1. Use a cold compress
The most effective remedy for nose bleeding is cold compress. Holding a cold compress against your nose for a few minutes can help constrict the tiny blood vessels in your nose that are bleeding. The coldness will support the nose’s interior blood vessels to narrow.
2. Pinch the nose
The best way is to pinch the nose as it sends pressure to the bleeding point helps the blood to stop flowing immediately. All you need to do is to sit straight with your head tilted slightly forward. Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the soft part of your nose. Do this for about five to 10 minutes. Make sure you are breathing from your mouth. Release the pressure and sit for some time. Repeat till the blood doesn’t stop flowing.
3. Vitamin K and Vitamin C
Vitamin K rich foods like kale, spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, et al are involved in the formation of collagen that helps in creating a moist lining inside your nose. This vitamin helps keep the blood vessels in good condition preventing them from rupturing easily. For a long-term cure, loading up on vitamin K-rich foods helps a lot. Green leafy vegetables facilitate blood clotting.
Note: Vitamins C and K are long- term relievers and cannot provide immediate relief.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Another home remedy is apple cider vinegar. The acid in the vinegar helps constrict the blood vessels, thus stopping the bleeding. All you need to do is to dip a cotton ball in the vinegar and place it in the affected nostril for about five to 10 minutes. This remedy generally works in the first attempt, so give it a try.
Also Read: How to use apple cider vinegar for sinus?
5.
Saline water
Dryness during winters in the nasal membrane is one of the most common causes of nose bleeding. To solve this problem, soothe and moisturize the nasal membranes with saline water. Use a bowl, put some water to it and few drops of saline water. Mix it well and put a few drops of this solution in your nose to moisten the inner lining of the nasal passages.
6. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne works as a cell stimulant and regulates the pressure of the blood flow, which means it helps get rid of the heavy pressure from the hemorrhaging area. Take a teaspoon of cayenne powder and mix in warm water and drink up as soon as the bleeding starts. It stops the blood immediately.
7. Nettle
Nettle leaf is a herbal remedy that works well as it is a natural astringent and a hemostatic agent. It helps keep allergic nose bleeds at bay. Brew fresh nettle leaf tea and cool it down. Then, dip the cotton pad in the solution and place it on the nose. Keep it for five to 10 minutes until the bleeding stops.
8. Lots of water
Not drinking enough water in a day can also dry the mucous membranes causing nose bleeds. Make sure you load up on enough water throughout the day. For nose bleeds, you must try loading up on coriander leaves, mango blossoms, and juice of the soft kernel of a ripe mango seed.
Read More: Is nose bleeding common during pregnancy?
How To Prevent Nosebleed?
Nosebleeding is easily preventive. Here are some preventive measures that can reduce the risk of nosebleeding-
- Make sure that the nasal lining remains moist
- Ensure that the fingernails are trimmed
- Inhale moist area to prevent dryness
- Wear protective equipment while playing
Conclusion
See, if you have read this blog till this point, you must have understood how well you have to take care of yourself. If you are prone to nasal bleeding, you need to take good care as well as try more than one remedy listed here. That way, you can counter the problem faster. Besides, ignoring small problems can cause major problems, so, it is really important that you also keep your doctor on speed dial. In case you are wondering, which doctor to call, make an appointment with the best ENT doctor for you.
Also Read:
- Do Dry Nose Lead to Sinusitis?
- Structure of Nose Before and After Septoplasty- A Pictorial Representation
- 10 Home Remedies for Runny Nose and Sneezing
Stopping nosebleeds: professional treatment in Odessa
Causes
Like any other blood loss, nosebleeds are dangerous to human health. According to statistics, approximately one in ten patients in the ENT departments are hospitalized due to nosebleeds.
ENT specialists divide the causes of nosebleeds into two groups:
- local – when the problem concerns only the nose. These are bleeding that appeared due to injuries, foreign bodies entering the nasal cavity. This also includes the consequences of diseases that cause blood flow to the mucous membrane – for example, chronic rhinitis, otitis, adenoiditis. The source of hemorrhage is changes in the nasal cavity – dystrophic processes of the mucosa, significant curvature or neoplasms of the septum – both benign and malignant;
- general . All parts of our body depend on each other, and the source of the ailment is far from the sphere of activity of the doctor “ear throat nose”. Thus, SOS signals are given by various cardiovascular diseases – hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart disease, vascular anomalies, in which pressure increases; hemorrhagic diathesis, beriberi; heat and sunstroke, overheating, fever; diseases in acute stages; sudden pressure drops. Moreover, the causes may be hidden in pregnancy or puberty.
It is important to realize that any, even the smallest bleeding from the nose, is already a signal to visit an otolaryngologist, because by itself a person, without a medical education, cannot find the cause.
Symptoms
Bleeding from the nose or bleeding from the nasopharynx are the main symptoms of this condition. With massive nosebleeds, pronounced signs of blood loss appear:
- weakness;
- ringing and noise in the ears;
- dizziness;
- thirst;
- palpitations;
- pale skin and mucous membranes.
Bleeding in the “front” parts of the nose – usually not intense, the patient can stop it himself or consult a doctor.
Larger blood vessels are concentrated in the deeper parts of the nose. Such bleeding is more dangerous and requires urgent medical attention and the use of special methods.
First Aid for Nosebleeds
Stopping the bleeding is best left to a qualified, experienced otolaryngologist. The ENT doctor will determine the cause and nature of the situation, provide assistance and prescribe further treatment and examination, if necessary.
There are a number of simple steps that can be taken before a visit to the clinic to remove external manifestations, try to stop the bleeding and stabilize the person’s condition as much as possible. Self-administer first aid should only be for minor bleeding.
The victim should be seated, his head slightly tilted forward and a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide placed in the common nasal passage. A cold object applied to the bridge of the nose, for example, a bandage with ice, will help to improve the situation.
Contrary to popular popular advice, do not tilt your head back or lay a person in a prone position – in this case, bleeding may increase.
It should be noted that all these manipulations will not solve the problem, but only eliminate its external symptoms. Only an ENT during the examination will be able to determine the real cause and prescribe a competent complex treatment for a high-quality and long-term result.
Video on the topic
Methods for stopping nosebleeds
For diagnosis, the doctor takes an anamnesis, examines the patient, and stops nosebleeds. If necessary, he prescribes medication and additional examination.
It is impossible to single out one universal method applicable to all situations. The ENT will be able to choose the best way only, based on the results of the initial examination, the nature and causes of bleeding, its massiveness and side symptoms.
Based on this, the otolaryngologist chooses a certain method of stopping the blood:
- if the problem is due to damage to the vessels in the anterior parts of the nose, the doctor uses the method of anterior tamponade. A long tampon is inserted into the nasal cavity and placed in a special way – with an accordion. Do not try to carry out this manipulation at home: an incorrectly inserted tampon will exacerbate the problem. This method is performed on an outpatient basis.
In the LORIC clinic in Odessa, a modern method of tamponade is performed: painless and safer than traditional manipulation. A special tape or sponge is impregnated with an antibacterial ointment or gel to avoid the inflammatory process, and injected into the nasal cavity. After the bleeding stops, the patient can return home.
- in severe massive bleeding in the posterior sections, otolaryngologists resort to the method of posterior tamponade. The large diameter of the posterior vessels contributes to the occurrence of profuse blood loss. They almost never can stop on their own – only after qualified medical care. Posterior tamponade is a complex procedure that is performed only in a hospital setting.
Quite often people come to LORICA with recurrent bleeding – when, due to regular damage, erosions appear on the mucosa, which bleed from time to time.
To eliminate this kind of problem, another method is used – cauterization. Such therapy requires considerable experience and skill of an otolaryngologist and helps to effectively get rid of the problem in just one session. First, the doctor treats the bleeding site with an anesthetic to avoid discomfort during the procedure, and then cauterizes. As a rule, after that a specific problem is solved once and for all.
All of the above methods to stop the bleeding are accompanied by drug therapy in order not only to remove the external signs, but also to solve the essence of the problem.
Related video
Complications
Nosebleeds – an unpleasant and dangerous condition . With independent attempts to stop massive bleeding, in case of untimely access to the doctor and, as a result, a large loss of blood, serious problems can arise.
Do not risk your life even at the first symptoms – entrust the care of it to professionals, practicing ENT specialists of the LORICA clinic.
Cost of services
Stopping nosebleeds by cauterization
UAH 350
First aid for nosebleeds
Telegram
Telegram chat for requests 9000 5
Here you can ask a question, leave a complaint, tell about your problem.
(working days – 08:00-16:00, chat does not work on weekends and holidays!)
Telephone
Work with citizens’ appeals
Tel.: 8 (911) 962-14-03
(working days – 08:00-16:00, on weekends and holidays the phone does not work!)
E-mail: [email protected]
home
First aid
Nosebleeds
According to statistics, every 50th inhabitant of the planet faces the problem of nosebleeds. In most cases, this is due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the nose. This organ is permeated with a network of the thinnest capillaries, which can be damaged even with minor changes in the environment or during physical exertion.
We will talk about causes and prevention later, but first about how to provide first aid for nosebleeds.
- First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the causes that increase bleeding, you should not talk, cough, make any movements and be nervous.
- You need to sit down, unbutton the collar, loosen the belt, tilt your head forward. Do not tilt your head back or lie down in bed, in this case, the blood will enter the throat, causing coughing and vomiting.
- Put something cold on the bridge of the nose (moistened towel or bandage), but an ice pack is better.
- Indoors, it is desirable to ensure the flow of fresh air by opening the windows. On the street – move into the shade. If the bleeding occurs in the heat, then additional cold compresses can be applied to the head and chest.
- If the nose continues to bleed, firmly press both wings of the nose against the nasal septum. Breathing should be deep, through the mouth. The procedure continues for 5-10 minutes. Do not be afraid of getting blood in your mouth, you just need to spit it out.
Nasal tamponade can also be performed. To do this, cotton balls are moistened with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and injected into the nostrils. In this case, the blood coagulates quite quickly and nosebleeds stop. Just do not insert dry cotton swabs into the nose, this can lead to drying of the cotton wool to the walls of the nose and re-opening of bleeding.
In most cases, bleeding lasts no more than 10 minutes. If the blood cannot be stopped even after 20 minutes, or if the blood flows very intensively from both nostrils at once, then it is necessary to call an ambulance or take the patient to the nearest medical facility.
After first aid, if you managed to stop the bleeding, you can additionally:
- Drink something cool, but you should strictly refrain from coffee and tea, they dilate blood vessels and can cause re-bleeding. Also, do not eat.
- Measure blood pressure, especially if headache and tinnitus occur along with bleeding. If the pressure is high, it must be normalized.
In our life, nothing happens just like that. If nosebleeds are systematic, then the body has a reason for this. It can accompany blood diseases, heart defects, infectious and viral diseases, aneurysms, hypertension, benign (angiomas, polyps, papillomas) and malignant (sarcoma and cancer) neoplasms.