When your nose begins to bleed, it is usually sudden and from only one nostriL This may occur quite often. In most cases of nosebleed, unless the nose has been injured, there is no apparent explanation for the bleeding. One relatively common cause is a cold or other infection, which causes crusting that damages the sensitive membrane that lines the nose. Nosebleeds are seldom cause for concern, since they are unlikely to be a symptom of any other disorder. A generalized bleeding disorder such as thrombocytopenia could cause nosebleeds, but in such cases there is usually a good deal of bleeding elseÂwhere in your body, such as from the gums or under the skin.
What is the Treatment?
Self-help: Sit down and lean forward and breathe through your mouth. Close the lower part of your nose on the side that is bleeding by pressing it with the ball of your thumb. Keep pressing for five to ten minutes. This procedure stops most nosebleeds. Do not blow your nose for 12 hours. After that, blow gently so you will not dislodge the clot that has stopped the bleeding.
Professional help: If bleeding continues, consult your physician or, if necessary, go to an emergency room. Your physician will probably pack a strip of gauze into the bleeding nostril and tell you to leave it in for several hours. The purpose of the gauze packing is not simply to absorb the blood and stop its dripping from the nose. Rather, it is to apply pressure to the ruptured blood vessels. If the bleeding persists or keeps recurring, the bleeding area may have to be cauterized, or closed using heat. The doctor may take a
specimen of your blood to make sure you have not become anemic. This complication is unlikely, because generally, despite appearances, little blood is lost through nosebleeds.