What to do in case of a nosebleed (epistaxis)

Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, happens when you lose blood from the tissue inside your nose. It can happen to people of all ages, but it is most commonly found in children, whose blood capillaries are more fragile and break more easily than adults. This is especially true in children lacking vitamin C.  

Weather conditions also play a role in causing nosebleeds due to irritation from dry air and dust particles.So, everyone should know basic first aid for treating nosebleeds. 

First aid 

Many people misunderstand that during a nosebleed, you should tilt the head up. Lifting your head when you have a nosebleed is wrong, as blood could flow down your throat, risking the chance of blocking your airway.  

The correct first-aid steps are: 

1. Sit with your back straight and tilt your head down. If you are afraid of staining your shirt, lean forward slightly. 
2. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch both sides of your nose firmly for 5–10 minutes while breathing through your mouth. 
3. Apply ice to the bridge of the nose.,Also, place an ice cube and hold it with your tongue against the roof of your mouth to help stop the bleeding. 
4. If blood flows into your throat, spit it out to prevent your airway from being blocked. You should take note of the volume of blood flow. 
5. If the bleeding does not stop after these steps, go to the hospital.  
6. Regardless, if blood flow is heavy, do not wait 5–10 minutes, but go to the hospital immediately while continuing to pinch your nose. Heavy blood loss can lead to dizziness, loss of consciousness and even death. 

Common causes of nosebleeds also include allergies and sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses. But nosebleeds can also be a sign of other diseases, which we will discuss in a later article. 

Thanks to : Dr Mai Laohasukkasem

Ear, Nose and Throat Center
Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital, 3rd floor
Tel: 02 220 7999, ext. 83040-41