Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a nosebleed before. Odds are pretty good that your hand is in the air right now! That’s because nosebleeds are a common condition, especially among children. The nose can be an intricate organ and considering that the inside of the nose is lined with blood vessels, even the slightest injury to it can trigger a nosebleed. A child running into a wall or even blowing his or her nose too hard can make it happen—easy as that. Thankfully, most nosebleeds aren’t cause for concern. They can be effectively treated by:
- Sitting upright and leaning slightly forward (tilting your head back can cause the blood to trickle down the back of your throat and make you vomit)
- Firmly pinching the bottom, fleshy part of your nose with your thumb and index finger
- Holding a tissue under your nose to catch any blood
You’ll want to stay in this position for at least fifteen minutes. If your nose is still bleeding after that time, pinch your nose again and continue checking it every fifteen minutes. Most nosebleeds stop bleeding within 15 minutes.
When to Worry About a Nosebleed
When should you worry about a nosebleed? There are indeed certain instances in which seeking medical attention is warranted. A prime example is if the nosebleed is causing you to feel weak or dizzy, which can be the case for those who are anemic or on blood thinners. Other reasons to seek medical attention for a nosebleed include:
- If the nosebleed hasn’t stopped after 20 minutes of direct pressure
- If there is an object stuck in the nose (common among children)
- If you are also vomiting or having trouble breathing
Another reason to seek medical attention for a nosebleed is if the condition occurs frequently. A chronic nosebleed is one that occurs four times or more in a week and could be a symptom of an underlying condition.
Chronic Nosebleeds
There are many reasons why you may be experiencing constant nosebleeds. For example, low humidity, the common cold, and allergies can lead to chronic nosebleeds. Certain medications like nasal sprays and blood thinners can also increase your chances of getting nosebleeds frequently. In certain instances, an underlying condition can be the culprit. This may include:
- A structural problem in the nose, such as a deviated septum
- An abnormal growth in the nose like a polyp or tumor
- A blood clotting disorder
- Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, a rare autosomal dominant disorder that affects a person’s blood vessels
While it’s rare for any of these underlying conditions to be the reason for your constant nosebleeds, it’s still a good idea to seek medical attention to determine the cause so that you can receive the treatment you need. For example, you may be instructed to use a humidifier at night if your nosebleeds are due to low humidity, or to switch medications if a certain one is causing your symptoms.
Medical Treatment From the Comfort of Home
At DispatchHealth, we understand that you may not feel like leaving home if you’re dealing with a nosebleed that just won’t stop, especially if it’s making you feel weak and dizzy. That’s why we come to you! After requesting a visit with us, we’ll dispatch a team to your home to provide the prompt medical attention you need. Our medical teams serve patients of all ages (starting at 3 months), delivering high-quality healthcare for your whole family. Use our app, go to our website, or call us on the phone to request a visit from DispatchHealth today. For life-threatening and time-sensitive injuries and illnesses, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. DispatchHealth shouldn’t be used in a life-threatening emergency and doesn’t replace a primary care provider.
Sources
DispatchHealth relies only on authoritative sources, including medical associations, research institutions, and peer-reviewed medical studies. Sources referenced in this article:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/when-to-worry-about-a-nosebleed
- https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/sig56370
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13464-nosebleed-epistaxis
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/when-to-worry-about-a-nosebleed
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-you-get-too-many-nosebleeds-when-to-worry/
