[Medical Q&A] What should I do if my nosebleed won’t stop?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Guo Shubin, Chief Physician, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University

Traumatic nosebleed is a common nasal disease caused by various external factors. Don't worry, let's learn about the causes of traumatic nosebleeds and learn some tips to stop bleeding, so that nosebleeds will no longer be your "little trouble"!

1. Common causes

(1) Daily minor injuries: Have you ever had a nosebleed due to digging your nose too deeply, sneezing too hard, or coughing? These are common causes of nosebleeds. In addition, irritation from dust and chemicals may also injure the nasal mucosa. Injuries to the nose are common in falls, collisions, or traffic accidents.

(2) Injuries in special environments: Pilots, divers and other special occupational personnel working in high-pressure environments, or sudden changes in air pressure in the nasal cavity, may cause damage to the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa and cause bleeding.

2. Emergency response strategy

(1) Stay calm: First, help the patient relax to avoid aggravating bleeding due to tension.

(2) Methods for stopping bleeding: ① "Pinch" the nose. Gently pinch the nose with your fingers for 10 to 15 minutes to stop the "red river". ② Cold compress. Apply a towel soaked in cold water to the forehead, occipital area or neck to help "cool down" the blood vessels and reduce bleeding. ③ Don't tilt your head back! Remember to tilt your head forward and spit out the blood in your mouth. Avoid tilting your head back to avoid swallowing it by mistake. ④ Emergency reminder. If the bleeding is severe, you should immediately seek medical attention for nasal packing.

(3) Close observation: After the bleeding stops, pay attention to whether the bleeding occurs again and measure the blood pressure regularly.

Nosebleeds usually present as unilateral or bilateral bleeding, which may be intermittent or continuous. The amount of bleeding ranges from mild blood in the mucus to severe anemia or even hemorrhagic shock. If the blood flows into the throat, it may cause vomiting blood or black stools. If the nosebleed is accompanied by a high fever, it may be a sign of intracranial infection and requires special vigilance.

After reading this, you will know how to deal with your nose the next time it gets angry! Remember, safety comes first, and protect your little nose!