A nosebleed normally occurs when one of the blood vessels in the lining of the nose bursts. Nosebleeds may be caused by infection, injury, allergic reaction, nose picking or an object being pushed into the nostril. Another name for nosebleed is epistaxis.
Bleeding from the nose is very common in children and is usually not serious. Seek medical attention if nosebleeds are severe, frequent or prolonged.
Symptoms of nosebleeds
- The signs and symptoms of a nosebleed include:
- bleeding from either or both nostrils
- a sensation of flowing liquid at the back of the throat
- the urge to swallow frequently.
Causes of nosebleeds
A nosebleed can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- fragile blood vessels that bleed easily, perhaps in warm dry air or after exercise
- an infection of the nose lining, sinuses or adenoids
- an allergy that causes hay fever or coughing
- bumps or falls
- an object that has been pushed up the nostril
- nose picking
- occasionally, a bleeding or clotting problem.
First aid management for nosebleeds to manage a nosebleed include:
- Reassure the person, especially children, as crying increases blood flow.
- Sit the person up straight and drop their head slightly forward.
- Apply finger and thumb pressure on the soft part of nostrils below the bridge of the nose for at least 10 minutes.
- Encourage the person to breathe through their mouth while their nostrils are pinched.
- Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
- Place a cold cloth or cold pack over the person’s forehead and one around the neck, especially around the sides of the neck.
- After 10 minutes, release the pressure on the nostrils and check to see if the bleeding has stopped.
- If bleeding persist, seek medical aid.
- Tell the person not to sniff or blow their nose for at least 15 minutes and not to pick their nose for the rest of the day. (Having a nose full of clotted blood is unpleasant and children in particular may find it difficult to avoid sniffing or nose blowing for a few hours. Fifteen minutes will at least give some time for the clot to stabilise.)
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