A nosebleed, medically known as epistaxis, is a common occurrence that can happen to anyone, of any age. It is usually not a cause for alarm, but it is important to be familiar with the symptoms and first aid advice in case of a nosebleed.
There are two types of nosebleeds – anterior and posterior. Anterior nosebleeds occur when the blood vessels located on the front of the nose break and bleed. Posterior nosebleeds occur when the blood vessels located on the back of the nose break and bleed.
The most common cause of nosebleeds is dryness of the nasal membranes. The septum (the wall that separates your nostrils) is also a common location for nosebleeds.
In general, nosebleeds can be treated at home without a doctor’s care; this is especially true for anterior nosebleeds. For posterior nosebleeds, it is always best to consult a doctor because they are often the result of a nose injury or nose surgery.
If you would like to further your first aid skills we also offer a range of first aid courses.
First Aid for nosebleeds:
- Sit or stand in an upright position. Sitting with your head down tends to cause blood from the nosebleed to run towards your throat and your stomach, which makes it more difficult to control the bleeding.
- Lean forward slightly so that you are looking down at a 45-degree angle. This will help trap blood within your nose and slow its loss.
- Pinch or compress the soft part of your nose firmly between your thumb and index finger for 10 minutes without stopping the pressure unless you have been instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional such as a doctor, nurse or dentist because you could block an important blood vessel.
- If you are unable to stop the bleeding after 10 minutes, continue compressing for another 10 minutes. If bleeding continues after 30 minutes, seek medical attention.
- Ice can also be applied to the nose before compression in order to help constrict the blood vessels and reduce the amount of blood lost.
- Repeat these steps as necessary. Remember that nosebleeds can recur so it is best to have a plan in place in case they do.
Some things that you can do to prevent nosebleeds include:
- Keeping your nose moisturised by using a saline nasal spray or gel
- Avoiding picking or blowing your nose forcefully
- Using a humidifier in winter months
- Avoiding hot showers and steam rooms
If nosebleeds are a regular recurrence or you have any questions about nosebleeds, seek medical attention.
If you or your employees need first aid qualifications, take a look at our range of first aid training courses. Alternatively, get in touch today to find out more.
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