Posted by Tia Patel | MAR-02-2021

What is a nose bleed?

A nosebleed can come from either the front of your nose (anterior) or the back of it (posterior).

• Anterior nosebleeds occur from the septum. This is the wall that separates your nostrils. It contains a lot of blood vessels that can break from a hit to the face or even a scratch of your fingernail. Most nosebleeds start in the lower part of the septum, meaning close to your nostril opening.

• Posterior nosebleeds are rare. They start deeper in the back of your nose and are more likely to happen in older people, those with high blood pressure, or those who have had a face injury.

It’s difficult to know if you have a posterior or anterior nosebleed. But posterior nosebleeds can be much more serious and you’re more likely to need emergency help.

• Dry climates or dry, heated air that dries out the inside of your nose
• Picking your nose or rubbing it too hard
• An upper respiratory infection like a cold
• Repeated nose-blowing
• An injury to your nose or a foreign object in your nose
• A deviated septum
• Allergies or allergy medicines that can dry out your nose, like antihistamines and decongestants
• Certain blood thinners
• Taking aspirin regularly
• Nasal sprays
• A sinus infection
• Chemicals that irritate your airways, like ammonia
• Pregnancy
• Alcohol use

1. Remain calm and try to relax. Nosebleeds can be alarming, but it's important to stay calm and avoid getting too worked up, as this can make the bleeding worse.

2. Sit up straight and lean slightly forward. Avoid tilting your head back, as this can cause the blood to flow down the back of your throat and potentially cause you to swallow or inhale it.

3. Use a tissue or cloth to gently blot the blood from your nose. Avoid blowing your nose, as this can increase the bleeding.

4. Use a small ice pack or cold cloth on the bridge of your nose to further slow blood by constricting blood vessels. Using a cold pack on the back of your neck isn’t effective for anterior bleeds.

5. Pinch your nostrils together. Using your thumb and index finger, gently pinch the soft part of your nostrils together and hold for 5-10 minutes. This will help to stop the bleeding.

NOTE: If bleeding persists for longer than 20 minutes, or it is particularly heavy then seek medical assistance.

It's important to note that if you experience frequent or heavy nosebleeds, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. In these cases, it's important to see a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

By following these steps, you can effectively use a cold pack to stop a nosebleed and get back to your normal activities. Just remember to remain calm and take the necessary precautions to stop the bleeding and prevent further occurrences.

Dr Diane Heatley, an ear, nose and throat specialist for children, says nosebleeds most frequently happen in the autumn and winter when indoor heating systems can dry out the air as well as a child's nostrils. This often makes the nose crusty and itchy with children seeking relief by rubbing or picking the nose.

As nosebleeds result from dryness, the inside of the nose should be kept moist to avoid irritation.

• Apply petroleum jelly with a cotton swab to the nose before going to sleep.
• Wear socks over your hands at bedtime to prevent nose picking whilst sleeping.
• Over-the-counter saline salt water sprays will push moisture further up the nose and reduce irritation.
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