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To stop bleeding from the nose, compress the nostril with a handkerchief or apply ice, breathe through the mouth and keep the head in a neutral or slightly forward position. However, if the bleeding is not resolved at the end of 30 minutes, it may be necessary to go to the emergency room for the doctor to perform some procedure that controls the outflow of blood, such as cauterization of the vein, for example.
Bleeding from the nose, scientifically called epistaxis, is the outflow of blood through the nose and, in most cases, is not a serious situation, which can occur when poking the nose, blowing the nose too hard or after a blow to the face , for example.
However, when the bleeding does not stop, it happens several times during the month or is intense, it is important that the doctor is consulted, as it can be indicative of more serious problems, such as changes in blood clotting and autoimmune diseases. Check out other causes of nose bleeding.
How to stop bleeding from the nose
To stop the nosebleed, you should start by keeping calm and taking a handkerchief, and should:
- Sit and lean your head slightly forward;
- Pinch the nostril that is bleeding for at least 10 minutes: you can push the nostril against the septum with your index finger or pinch your nose with your thumb and index finger;
- Relieve the pressure and check if it stopped bleeding after 10 minutes;
- Clean the nose and, if necessary, the mouth, with a wet swab or cloth. When cleaning the nose, you should not use force, being able to wrap a handkerchief and clean only the nostril entrance.
In addition, if after the compression continues to bleed through the nose, ice should be applied to the nostril that is bleeding, wrapping it in a cloth or compress. The application of ice helps to stop the bleeding, because the cold causes the blood vessels to compress, decreasing the amount of blood and stopping the bleeding.
Understand these tips better in the following video:
What not to do when bleeding from the nose
When bleeding from the nose, you should not:
These measures should not be taken, as it exacerbates the bleeding from the nose and does not aid in healing.
When to go to the doctor
It is recommended to go to the emergency room or consult a doctor when:
- The bleeding does not stop after 20-30 minutes;
- Bleeding occurs through the nose accompanied by headache and dizziness;
- Bleeding from the nose occurs at the same time as bleeding from the eyes and ears;
- Bleeding occurs after a road accident;
- Uses anticoagulants, such as Warfarin or Aspirin.
Bleeding from the nose is generally not a serious condition and can rarely lead to more serious problems. However, in these cases, you must call an ambulance by calling 192, or go immediately to the emergency room.