The following are some of the major causes of nosebleeds:-
- the inability of the blood to clot due to medications such as aspirin;
- liver disease;
- the membranes lining the nasal cavities become very thin, causing the blood vessels to be very close to the surface;
- these are rare — nasal cancers and abnormal blood vessels;
- high blood pressure — this is very rarely a main contributing factor;
- picking the nose, especially if it is dry inside.
Parents are naturally very concerned when their child has a nosebleed and often ask if they should make a trip to the hospital.
The following is the criteria for deciding on whether a visit to the hospital is necessary or not:-
- the nose is continuing to bleed even after applying 10 minutes of pressure;
- this is not an isolated case and there have been repeated episodes;
- The person is feeling lightheaded and dizzy and thinks they might pass out;
- rapid heart beat or trouble breathing;
- spitting up or vomiting blood.
I want to assure you that excessive blood loss from nosebleeds does not often occur. However, this can happen so it is essential that you immediately do everything you can to stop the flow of blood. If the nosebleed is originating from the posterior area, then the flow can be quite dramatic and it has to be stopped as soon as possible. Those that originate from the anterior are less severe and also much easier to handle from the comfort of your own home.
The following are a few suggestions to aid in stopping the bleeding:-
- for at least 10 minutes pinch the nose, not letting go at all during that period of time;
- put an icepack on the back of the neck;
- always lean forward otherwise the blood will trickle down the back of your throat;
- try to keep calm and not panic;
- roll some toilet paper up in a wad and pack the nostril; leave it in for a while.
There are differing ideas on whether you should blow your nose when it is all over. I thought you should not….but I changed my mind after having a very serious posterior nosebleed where I had to call an ambulance. The attendants had me gently blow my nose a number of time during the bleed to get rid of some very large bloodclots. This worked well for me, even though it took a few clots forming and subsequently getting rid of them, before things settled down. It can be quite dramatic and scary to experience a posterior nosebleed, especially the first time. I emphasize again that you must stay as calm as possible and just concentrate of stopping the bleeding.
It is a wise decision to make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist if you are having recurring nosebleeds and especially if they are from the posterior area. The cause can then be determined and a treatment plan can be put in place.




