Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are often caused by low humidity, high altitudes, colds, allergies, blows to the nose, blowing or picking the nose, and certain medications, such as aspirin. They can sometimes be prevented and can often be treated at home.

To prevent nosebleeds, avoid low humidity by keeping the temperature between 60 and 64 degrees in sleeping areas. You might also want to use a humidifier in your home, especially if the air is particularly dry. If your nose becomes very dry, you might try breathing moist air from a shower or by using a saline nasal spray. Afterwards, apply petroleum jelly to the inside of your nose. If nosebleeds are a recurring problem for you, you’ll want to limit your use of aspirin, too.

When you have a nosebleed, do not tilt your head back, as this may cause blood to run down the back of your throat. Instead, sit up straight and tilt your head slightly forward. Blow the clots out of your nose and then pinch your nostrils shut between your thumb and forefinger. This will effectively stop most nosebleeds immediately, since most of them come from the lower part of the nose. Keep your nostrils pinched closed for a full ten minutes. After ten minutes, let go of

your nose to see if it’s still bleeding. If so, pinch your nostrils shut for another ten minutes. Most nosebleeds stop after 10 to 30 minutes of pressure. However, you should not blow your nose for at least 12 hours after the bleeding has stopped, and you should take it easy for at least a few hours.

If you try this home treatment and your nose is still bleeding after 30 minutes, call your health care professional. You should also call if blood runs down the back of your throat even with your head tilted forward and your nose pinched. Finally, if you get nosebleeds a lot, or if you think that your nose is broken after it’s been injured, call your health care professional.