What are the most common causes of a nosebleed?
The nose may bleed for no obvious reason, or may be caused by blowing the nose, an injury to the nose (through picking), drying of the nasal mucosa or in more serious cases by indirect injury such as a fractured skull. 1, 2, 4
Can babies (infants) get nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds in infants/babies do occur but are rare and should be evaluated by a health care professional.1
Can children use Nozohaem™ when they have a nosebleed?
Yes, provided they are at least 7 years old OR able to apply the gel by themselves. 3
Nozohaem™ Nasal Gel is not recommended for use in babies.
Nosebleeds can be very traumatic for a child. It’s understandable that they would be frightened by the sight of the blood. Try and reassure or calm them as crying can bring more blood to the facial area and make the bleeding worse.
Follow the instructions as indicated in the enclosed package insert for Nozohaem™ Nasal Gel. Stay with the child and make sure that they are applying the gel correctly. The gel should be left in the nose for 30 minutes and any excess gel running out of the nose can be wiped away with a tissue. If bleeding does not stop within 30 minutes consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.3
When should you visit your doctor for a nosebleed?
Contact your doctor if:
1
- You experience repeated nose bleeds;
- There is additional bleeding from other areas, such as ears, urine or stools;
- You bruise easily;
- You are using blood thinning medication;
- You had recently had chemotherapy.
When should you go to the hospital or emergency room?
You should get urgent medical care:
1
- If the bleeding does not stop after 10 – 20 minutes, while pinching the nose;
- If you have repeated nose bleeds over a short period of time or if large amounts of blood are lost;
- If you feel dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like passing out;
- If your heart is beating very fast or you have trouble breathing;
- If you are vomiting up blood;
- If you have a rash or your temperature is higher than 38.5 °C.
If someone has a nosebleed, and you don’t have any Nozohaem™ on hand – what should you do?
- Compress the fleshy part of the nose firmly between your index finger and thumb for 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops; 4
- Allow the patient to lean forward as this allows the blood to drain from the nose and mouth and not into the back of the throat; 4
- Allow the patient to spit out any blood as swallowing the blood may cause vomiting.1
Why isn’t it a good idea to get the person to lie down? ¹
Allowing the patient to lie down encourages swallowing of the blood which may cause the patient to become nauseous.
Is it a good idea to put a tissue or a piece of toilet paper into the nostril where the blood is coming from? ¹
In order to try and stop the bleeding you need to apply direct pressure to the nose. Placing a piece of tissue or toilet paper in the nose does not provide sufficient pressure and pieces of tissue paper or toilet paper may remain behind in the nose.
What precautions should you take after a nosebleed has occurred (and the bleeding has stopped)? ¹
- Once the bleeding has stopped try not to cause any further irritation to the nose (therefore avoid nose blowing as well as nose picking).
- Ice packs do not help nose bleeds.
- Use saline nasal sprays or other lubricating ointments/nose sprays to promote tissue healing and to help keep the nasal passages moist.
References:
- Nosebleed (Epistaxis). Emedicinehealth Experts in everyday emergencies, http://www.emedicinehealth.com/nosebleeds/article_em.htm. 2010 WebMD, LLC. Accessed 07 July 2011
- Epistaxis: A Merck Manual of Patient Symptoms. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec08/ch096/ch096b.html Accessed 7 July 2011.
- Nozohaem™ Package Insert
- St John Ambulance. First on the scene. Second edition 1999.