Npse bleeds - signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a nosebleed

The main symptom of a nosebleed is blood coming out of the nose, which can range from light to heavy. The blood it comes out of either nostril (usually only one nostril is affected).

If the nosebleed occurs while you are lying down, you may feel liquid in the back of your throat before the blood actually comes out of your nose. Do not swallow the blood as it could cause you to become nauseous and vomit.

Severe nosebleeds require immediate medical attention. Things to watch for include heavy bleeding, palpitations (an irregular heartbeat), swallowing large amounts of blood that cause you to vomit, shortness of breath, or turning pale.

Treatments for a nosebleed

The first step to stopping any nosebleed is always the same: stop the bleeding. This can be done by complying with the following steps:

• Sit down and pinch the soft parts of your nose firmly, breathing through your mouth.
• Lean forward, not backward, in order to prevent the blood from draining into your sinuses and throat, which can result in inhaling the blood or gagging.
• Sit upright so that your head is higher than your heart to reduce blood pressure and consequently stop further bleeding.
• Continue putting pressure on the nose, leaning forward, and sitting upright for a minimum of five minutes and up to 20 minutes so that the blood clots. If bleeding persists for more than 20 minutes, medical attention is required.
• Apply an ice pack to your nose and cheek to soothe the area and try not to strain yourself for the next few days.

It is recommended that you seek medical attention if you suffer from frequent nosebleeds (it could be an indication of an underlying problem), had an injury to the head, or take anticoagulants (blood thinning medications) and the bleeding does not stop.

If your physician suspects there is an underlying cause, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), anemia, or a nasal fracture, they may run further tests, such as checking your blood pressure and pulse rate or an X-ray, before recommending a suitable treatment option.

A broken nose can permanently change the shape of your nose. If this is the case, a physician can attempt to set the nose back in place manually, but sometimes surgery is required.

There is an array of treatment options physicians have to offer. Some of them include:

• Nasal packing - stuffing ribbon gauze or special nasal sponges as far back into your nose as possible, putting pressure on the source of the bleed.
• Cautery - a minor procedure that cauterizes (burns) the area where the bleeding is coming from to seal it off; used if the specific blood vessel can be identified. However, the area around the cautery sometimes begins to bleed. Be sure to go over the risks and benefits with your physician.
• Septal surgery - a surgical procedure to straighten a crooked septum (the wall between the two nose channels), whether it was like that from birth or from an injury. This can reduce the occurrence of nosebleeds. Your physician will be able to explain the procedure and its risks and benefits in detail.
• Ligation - a "last resort" surgical procedure that involves tying the ends of the identified blood vessels causing the bleeding. Sometimes even the artery from which the blood vessels stem is tied off. If the source of the bleed is further back, more major surgery may be required. Be sure to go over details with your physician.

How can a nosebleed be prevented?

• Avoid picking your nose.
• Apply lubricating ointment, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline), inside your nose; especially in children whose nosebleeds are most commonly attributed to crusting inside the nostrils.
• Avoid blowing your nose too hard, or too frequently.
• Use a humidifier at high altitudes or in dry climates.
• If you are prescribed anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications) discuss your concerns with your physician.
• To prevent recurring nosebleeds, avoid exerting or straining yourself for a minimum of one week after the previous one.