Know the Causes of Nosebleeds and the Handling Steps

Health

Nosebleed is the term for bleeding that occurs in the nostrils. The causes can vary, ranging from mild and can be handled independently to severe and require special treatment.

Nosebleeds have the medical term epistaxis. This condition can happen to anyone and can happen suddenly, so it is important to know the initial steps for handling it as first aid.

Causes of Nosebleeds by Type

Nosebleeds can be divided into two types according to the location of the bleeding, namely:

Anterior nosebleed

Anterior nosebleeds occur because the blood vessels in the front of the nose are damaged or torn, causing bleeding. Anterior nosebleeds are common in children.

Here are the causes of anterior nosebleeds that you need to know:

  • Fever or increased body temperature.
  • A cold or flu that triggers nasal congestion and repeated sneezing.
  • Recurrent or recurrent sinusitis.
  • Minor injuries, such as injuries due to picking your nose or bumping.
  • Excessive use of decongestants.

posterior nosebleed

Posterior nosebleeds occur because the blood vessels at the back of the nose are damaged and bleed. Posterior nosebleeds are usually more common in the elderly and in someone who has the following conditions:

  • Fracture of the nasal bone due to trauma from a blow or a fall.
  • Nose surgery.
  • Tumors in the nasal cavity
  • Atherosclerosis.
  • Leukemia and hypertension.
  • hemophilia.
  • Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), which is a genetic disorder that affects the blood vessels.
  • Use of medications, such as aspirin, warfarin, and heparin.

Nosebleed Handling Steps

When you or someone around you has a nosebleed, the first thing you should do is stay calm and find a comfortable place.

After that, then you can take the following steps for handling nosebleeds:

  • Sit up straight

    This method is useful for reducing the pressure of the blood vessels in your nose, so that the bleeding can stop immediately.

  • Lean forward and pinch your nose

    After sitting up straight, lean forward to avoid swallowing the blood coming out of your nose. Then, pinch your nose tightly for 15-20 minutes and breathe in through your mouth.

  • Compress the bridge of the nose after bleeding

    You can also compress the nose with cold water or with ice cubes wrapped in plastic. Place the compress on the bridge of your nose. If possible, you can also dab a little petroleum jelly to the inside of the nose using cotton bud or your finger.

If the nosebleed lasts for more than 30 minutes, you should immediately see a doctor so that he can be given emergency treatment.

Not only that, if you experience frequent nosebleeds, you also need to see a doctor. The doctor will perform a series of examinations to determine the cause of the nosebleed you are experiencing, and provide appropriate treatment.