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How are nosebleeds treated?

Simple nosebleeds that are not caused by head trauma and that occur in otherwise healthy people can usually be treated using first aid measures. Other medical measures include: nasal spray - spraying the inside of the nose with co-phenylcaine to speed up clotting; chemical cauterisation - silver nitrate is used to create a superficial burn to the nasal membrane at the site of the bleeding vessel; electrocauterisation - an electric current is used to create a burn to the nasal membrane at the site of the bleeding vessel, to prevent further bleeding; nasal packing - inserting a tampon-like device into the nose to apply constant pressure across the source of bleeding, and; embolisation - inserting a catheter in the groin and up through to the nasal area. The catheter is used to inject material into the blood vessel to cause it to clot and stop bleeding.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds typically only occur in one nostril, except in cases where there is heavy bleeding that fills up the nostril on the affected side, which then overflows within the back of the nose. Some of the symptoms that may accompany a nosebleed include …

What causes nosebleeds?

Because there are many fragile blood vessels lining the nasal membrane, the nose is susceptible to bleeding. Some of the more common causes of a simple nosebleed in healthy people include: trauma or injury; hot, dry air passing across the nasal membranes; …

Who gets nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds can potentially affect anyone, but are more common in children under the age of 10, and adults aged between 45-65 years.

What can be done at home to treat nosebleeds?

First aid for simple nosebleeds includes: pinching the soft portion of the nose, below the bridge of the nose, for 10 minutes; leaning forward slightly to prevent any blood from entering the back of the throat, and; applying ice to the bridge …

Can nosebleeds be prevented?

You can help prevent nosebleeds by: using an air humidifier during the winter months; using petroleum gel or saline nasal spray to keep nasal passages moist; wearing protective equipment while playing contact sports; avoiding nose picking and vigorous nose …

Are there different types of nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds can either stem from anterior blood vessels, or an artery in the posterior part of the nose. About 90% of nosebleeds are anterior nosebleeds.

What is the outcome for nosebleeds?

Anterior nosebleeds generally have an excellent outcome, whereas nosebleeds associated with another underlying medical condition and which stem from arteries in the posterior part of the nose can have more variable outcomes.

What increases the chances of developing nosebleeds?

You have a greater chance of having nosebleeds if you: live in a hot and dry climate, which dries out nasal membranes; have a deviated septum; have a cold or suffer from allergies; are exposed to chemical irritants such as cigarette …

How common are nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds are very common. Around 60% of people will have at least one episode in their lifetime.

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About this article

Author: Karen McCloskey BHSc
First answered: 23 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 18 May 2018
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Votes: 654 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Rectal bleeding (blood in stools)

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