The human body is one of its kind. It shows some strange and unique characteristics that might get tough to be understood. Let’s throw some light on one such phenomenon and how to tackle it the right way.
Nose bleeding is fairly common in human beings, especially children. It can be a result of exposure to cold, dry air, or a result of a minor injury, nose picking, or blowing too hard.
Sometimes the nose bleeding can be a sign of an underlying illness or injury.
Assessment of bleeding
It’s always advisable to seek medical advice if you notice any of the following:
- Frequent nose bleeds, more than once a week; This can be a sign of high blood pressure.
- Persistent and unstoppable nose bleeds in a person who is on blood-thinning medications like warfarin and aspirin.
- Thin watery discharge with blood from the nose following a blow to the head — giving an indication of probable skull fracture.
- Recurring nose bleeds accompanied by bleeding gums.
- Bleeding within a week of surgery to the nose.
- Nose bleeding in a person already having high blood pressure.
Note:
- If a nose bleed continues for more than 30 minutes or follows a blow to the head, seek medical emergency help immediately!
- Very rarely can a nose bleed be life-threatening, especially in older people. With proper help and care, things can definitely be brought under control.
Steps to tackle bleeding nose
STEP-1: MAKE THE CASUALTY SIT DOWN
Help the casualty to sit down and ask him to lean forward in order to let the blood drain out.
STEP-2: PINCH THE NOSE
Ask the casualty to breathe through the mouth and pinch the soft part of the nose to help reduce the blood flow. Advise the casualty to not sniff, swallow, or cough as these actions can disturb the clots that are being formed.
STEP-3: CHECK THE NOSE
Wait for 10 minutes, release the pressure, and finally check the nose. If it’s still bleeding, pinch for another 10 minutes.
STEP-4: OFFER A COLD COMPRESS
Give the casualty an ice or a cold pack to hold against the bridge of his nose to help reduce the blood flow. You can also give him an ice cube to suck.
STEP-5: CHECK THE NOSE AGAIN
Once the bleeding has stopped, let the casualty clean around the nose with a damp cloth. Ask him to refrain from blowing or avoiding strenuous activity for up to 12 hours.
Note: In the case of a very young child, help him to sit forward and pinch his nose for him as he might not be able to pinch for long enough. Keep giving regular assurances, get him to spit into a bowl, and wipe his face.
Conclusion
Bleeding of the nose can create panic among everyone involved but one must always remember that keeping your mind calm and prompt actions can help reduce the damage to a great extent in the first place only. Get yourself equipped with these steps in case an emergency arises and make sure to call for emergency services while performing these steps.
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