First aid for nosebleeds

Epistaxis or epistaxis occurs in 60% of the world’s population. Most often, the condition develops in patients under the age of 10 or older than 50 years. According to statistics, most cases of bleeding occur in men. With one type of blood loss, the patient can cope on his own without harm to the body, others require attention from the doctor. Therefore, we will get acquainted with what you need to know about nosebleeds, whether they can lead to death and how to provide first aid to the victim.

General information about epistaxis

There are two types of nosebleeds – anterior and posterior. In the first case, we are talking about the Kisselbach plexus, located on the anterior septum of the nose. Branched parts of the carotid, palatine, facial arteries pass through it, which create the plexus. In 90% of cases, it is this area that causes bleeding. Anterior epistaxis can be stopped on its own, without resorting to the help of specialists.

Bleeding from the posterior nasal cavity, which occurs in the remaining 10% of cases, can only be stopped by a doctor. They arise due to rupture of the walls of large vessels in the nasal cavity or bones of the facial skull, rupture of an aneurysm, or decay of a malignant tumor. Posterior epistaxis is also called “signal”. It is characterized by suddenness, short duration and large blood loss.

Epistaxis is a separate category for bleeding from the lungs or upper gastrointestinal tract. Blood loss from the lungs is accompanied by the release of scarlet foamy blood, and from the abdominal cavity – dark and clotted.

Causes of nasal bleeding

Causes of nasal blood loss are conditionally divided into two categories – local and systemic. Local include trauma to the nose, the presence of foreign bodies in the cavity, inflammatory processes (from SARS to chronic ENT diseases). Also, among the local factors, there are anatomical deformities of the nose, the presence of tumors, the use of a nasal oxygen catheter. Bleeding can be triggered by drug inhalation, low relative air humidity, which is especially important in winter during the heating period, and even the use of a nasal spray. Patients who have survived nasal septum plasty are at risk, such blood loss can be both a short-term phenomenon and a long-term one, due to unskilled actions of the surgeon.

Among the systemic factors, the following possible causes of epistaxis are distinguished:

• allergic reactions;
• persistent increase in blood pressure (hypertension);
• diseases caused by hypothermia;
• the use of alcohol-containing drinks (affects the expansion of blood vessels);
• blood pathology;
• deficiency of vitamins C, K and B12;
• side effects from the use of medications;
• heart failure;
• systemic connective tissue diseases;
• vascular pathology.

First aid for nosebleeds

Emergency care should be provided to any victim, regardless of the intensity of blood loss and associated symptoms. Try to get into the correct position or, if the child is bleeding, sit him on a chair / armchair / sofa, slightly tilting his shoulders and head forward. So blood, together with other fluids, will flow outward, and not into the inner space. The main thing is not to lie down on horizontal planes so that blood does not get into the throat (it can cause nausea and vomiting).

Pinch your nose with your thumb and forefinger for 10 minutes to stop blood loss. Adjust the force depending on the age, gender and condition of the victim. At the same time, place a cold object on the bridge of your nose and rinse your mouth with cold water. Cold reduces the flow of blood to the nasal cavity, due to which it will be possible to reduce or completely stop blood loss. If after 10 minutes the condition has not stabilized, hold your nose for another 10 minutes and only then seek emergency medical help. If the manipulations were successful, gently rinse the nasal cavity and rest for 3-4 hours.

All this time, the victim should not make sudden movements, talk, cough, blow his nose, swallow blood, or in any way affect the nasal cavity. Wait for a specialist, follow his recommendations and most importantly – do not panic. During epistaxis and for 1-2 hours after it, it is advisable to breathe only through the mouth, so as not to further damage the mucosa. The first 3-4 hours after stopping the bleeding, the victim should be in the most calm and comfortable conditions for him. Active physical or psycho-emotional stress can provoke a relapse.

In what cases should you consult a doctor? Frequently recurring nosebleeds are a definite reason for an unscheduled examination. First, contact a general practitioner, pass the necessary list of tests and wait for the instructions of a specialist. In what cases should you call an ambulance or go to the hospital? If more than 20 minutes have passed since the onset of bleeding (subject to the above recommendations), blood is released from both nostrils or simultaneous bleeding occurs from the ear, urethra, or another part of the body. If your health is suspicious, but the blood loss was stopped, you can also contact a specialist to verify your health.

The body is a well-coordinated system that does not give causeless failures. Any violation in it can be triggered by a virus, trauma, infection or other pathogenic factor. Do not be afraid to ask questions of doctors and visit a specialist often. Perhaps your life will depend on these actions.

Can bleeding be prevented?

The first step is to take care of moisturizing the nasal mucosa. To do this, use special emollient sprays or solutions for washing the sinuses. They are especially needed during acute respiratory infections. If the state of health is normal, perform manipulations 1-2 times a week as a preventive measure. The air in the room also affects the degree of moisture of the mucous membranes. Ideally, it should be clean, cool and moist.

This is especially true of the bedroom, where we spend a considerable amount of time. The optimum temperature for a comfortable life is 18-20°C and relative humidity is 50-70%.

Buy a humidifier. This is a climate device that increases the overall humidity in the room. It can be used daily, regardless of weather conditions, but the need for a humidifier increases during the heating season.

The next step is hygienic care. Given the statistical information, children should be taught proper nasal hygiene as early as possible. Teach your toddler how to use a handkerchief, not pick his nose, clean his nostrils properly, and remember to follow the instructions yourself. In addition, doctors advise to pay attention to the diet and the specifics of metabolism. Often, blood loss is possible due to excessive strain during bowel movements. How to deal with it? Harmonize your diet, eat more fiber and be sure to consult a doctor. Perhaps, specifically in your case, you can not do without the use of laxatives.

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