Stop A Nosebleed
A nosebleed is known as epistaxis. While this condition may scare you especially kids who experience this, it’s not at all serious and dangerous. Kids are often the ones who suffer a nosebleed but adults can experience it as well.
The nose is filled with lots of capillaries or those small blood vessels hence, a big amount of blood also circulates through it. A nosebleed can take place for several reasons. It can be that you got into a fight and your nose was hit, your nose got hit by a basketball or football, a child puts his finger too far inside the nose or it can also be caused by winter dryness and high blood pressure.
Don’t panic when you see blood dripping from nose. Keep your cool and do your best to apply first aid right away. Otolaryngologists or physicians who specialize in eye, ear, nose and throat (EENT) problems recommend blowing the nose first. In this way, any clots that block the blood vessels will be removed to keep the opening of the vessels contracting.
After a vigorous blow, apply pressure on the nose by pinching the soft part for about five to seven minutes. Repeat the procedure again if the bleeding continues. In most cases, this technique will already stop the bleeding.
If not, put cotton inside the part of the nose that bleeds. Wet the cotton with white vinegar before plugging it in your nose. The vinegar’s acid will help cauterize the nose in a gentle manner. If no cotton is available, you can use the plain gauze. Leave the cotton or gauze for about 20 minutes before removing it.
While doing this procedure, make sure that you let yourself, the adult or child sit up straight. Lying down or leaning back will only make him or her swallow the blood.
A cold compress using an ice pack will also help. With a cold temperature, you are helping the blood vessels to narrow and stop the bleeding.
Avoid picking your nose for a week as the ruptured blood vessel heals. The bleeding will only stop when a clot forms but if you continue to pick your nose and hit that part, you can suffer another nosebleed. In other words, control your fingers to avoid further damage to your nose.
To prevent your nose from experiencing this over and over again, take Vitamin C and iron supplements. Iron is important in maintaining hemoglobin in our red blood cells while Vitamin C helps in the formation of collagen which is important in the body tissue.
People in their golden age as well as the seniors who have a history of hypertension should also maintain a normal blood pressure. This can be achieved through a diet low in fat and cholesterol.
Doctors advise staying away from aspirin and salicylate if necessary. Foods that contain salicylate include coffee, tea, some vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers and most fruits such as apples, all berries, cherries, grapes and peaches.
Finally, an effective dehumidifier in your home is a big help. Nosebleeds occur when the air in the surrounding is dry but with a dehumidifier can help prevent this.
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