Do you get frequent bloody noses? Do you have one right now? Or are you just looking for some tips to help a loved one manage their frequent bleeds? Whatever question you have, this guide will help you to answer it as we list a series of FAQs relating to nosebleeds.
What is the Medical Name for a Nosebleed?
Epistaxis is the medical name for a nosebleed. It comes from the Greek words roughly meaning, “To drip from the nose”. Interestingly, the second half of this word provides the same etymology for stalactites and stalagmites, and for much the same reason, as they are caused by dripping.
How Do I Prevent a Nosebleed?
Don’t pick your nose and don’t apply too much pressure when blowing your nose. Keep it clean and hydrated, using a saline solution as opposed to nose picking. There are still triggers that can cause a nosebleed but doing these things will reduce the risk.
What Causes Nosebleeds?
Your nose is filled with fine and delicate blood vessels. It doesn’t take much to rupture these, at which point the nose will bleed. Nose picking is the most common cause, but you can also experience a nosebleed when you blow your nose too hard, sneeze frequently, or have a very dry and cracked nasal lining.
How Do I Stop a Nosebleed?
If you don’t have any Nampons to hand, you can stop a nosebleed by leaning forward, gently pinching the soft part of your nose, and waiting for 5 minutes. This helps to direct the blood out and not in. It will also promote clotting. Try to avoid releasing the pressure just to check and don’t blow your nose once the bleeding has stopped.
What Should I Do If the Bleeding Doesn’t Stop?
If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes or you are bleeding very heavily, you should consult with a medical professional. Call 911, explain the situation, and they will take it from there.
Is a Nosebleed Serious?
Most nosebleeds are harmless. We have come to think of them as being serious, deadly, and something to be very scared of. It’s partly Hollywood’s fault, as every nosebleed on the silver screen is something serious and usually indicates chronic disease or serious trauma (as well as psychic abilities).
It’s also hard to ignore the fact that you’re bleeding from your face and if you’re not used to having nosebleeds, it’s pretty terrifying.
However, the vast majority of nosebleeds are minor and are nothing to worry about. Even if the problem repeats, it is more likely indicative of chronic nose picking than anything else.
You should start to worry if the bleeding is heavy, persists for longer than 15 minutes, or is accompanied by other symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Should I Stop Taking Blood Thinning Medications?
If you are taking blood thinning medications and experience regular nosebleeds, you should consult with your doctor.
Blood thinning meds can make the bleeds heavier and more problematic. They can also turn an otherwise harmless bleed into a serious one. However, you were prescribed those medications for a reason and shouldn’t stop taking them without consulting your doctor.
