Treating Recurrent Nose bleeds with Home Care Tips: First Aid for Bloody Nose

The exact epidemiological prevalence of the Nosebleeds is not known, however estimates suggest it has a life long incidence of 60%, with as few as 10% requiring medical attention. This condition is fairly common in children below the age of 10 years and among elderly population (i.e. 50-80 years). Though in most cases the condition is self limiting and can be managed using home based treatment, about 10% of the cases may require medical attention. The condition can often strike panic, especially when epistaxis is reported in children or elderly patients. Here are some simple natural and home based treatments that are considered to be highly effective in the management of Nosebleeds and Epistaxis.

Nosebleed can strike panic

Why Nosebleeds?: Causes for Recurrent Nose Bleeding

Epistaxis is a medical terminology to define nosebleeds. There are several factors that may be responsible for nosebleeds, but these factors can be classified into ‘Systemic’ and ‘Local’ causes. Local causes of nosebleed often don’t require medical attention and are usually self limiting; however epistaxis due to systemic causes may require medical supervision. Some of the local causes for nosebleeds include,

• Trauma caused due to blowing the nose hard and frequently
• Picking on the nose, especially with fingernails can result in the nostrils becoming dry and tender leading to nose bleed.
• Sinusitis or head colds are other common conditions associated with nosebleeds
• Deviated nasal septum can also cause nosebleeds
• Weather conditions especially hot and humid weather can cause the nose to dry making it prone to epistaxis. Further nosebleed is also common on high altitudes due to reduced oxygen concentration

In addition to the local causes, certain systemic factors may also result in nosebleeds which include Hypertension or elevated blood pressure, liver disorders which are associated with abnormal clotting of the blood, certain prescription medications like anticoagulants and NSAIDs can also result in nosebleeds. Nosebleeds are also observed in cocaine addicts.

Home Care tips for Bleeding Nose

Vinegar is considered
beneficial in management
of Epistaxis

Here are some simple home remedies that can be effective in the management of acute nosebleeds,

• Vinegar: Local application of vinegar using a cotton swab is useful in controlling bleeding. Vinegar not only seals the injured blood vessel but also prevents any secondary infection. Leave the cotton swab in the nostril for about 15-20 minutes
• Nasal irrigation using saline water is also considered beneficial. Add about half a teaspoon of salt with equal quantity of baking soda in a cup of water. Now, using a syringe, squirt the nostrils with the saline water. Lower the head to allow water to flow out through the other nostril. This technique helps keep the nasal mucosa well hydrated and prevents recurrent rupture or damage to the blood vessels
• Foods rich in Vitamin C including oranges, lemon, lime, etc are important for the production of collagen, which is essential to ensure healthy nasal mucosa. Regular consumption for these fruits is useful in management of recurrent nosebleeds.

First Aid for Bloody Nose : Home based Treatment for Nosebleed

Here are some simple tips that can help in management of nosebleeds, especially in the acute phase. These tips are beneficial in management of most cases of nosebleeds, however if bleeding persists even after primary home based treatment, it is imperative to contact a healthcare provider,

• Sit up or lie on your back with the head elevated. Ensure that the level of the head is higher than that of the heart. This posture helps reduce blood flow to the nose and hasten the healing process. Avoid leaning as leaning backwards, which may result in blood entering the throat and may trigger coughing or vomiting 
• Pinch the nose with your finger tips or press the nose gently towards the face. Pressure will help reduce blood loss
• Place a damp cotton swab in the nostril. Alternatively apply lubricant on the septum like Aloe Gel or Vaseline.
• Local application of ice can help stop bleeding instantaneously. Ice causes the blood vessels to constrict and also reducing inflammation and thereby prevents bleeding.