Nosebleeds . . . do you ever get them? Though it can be a scary feeling to have blood dripping or even gushing from your face, they usually aren’t a sign of anything serious and often can be treated at home. Nosebleeds are fairly common in kids and most are caused by nose-picking or dry air. They can also result from an injury to the face.
So, you have a nosebleed. . . . what can you do to stop it? Did you know that there is an old wives’ tale that holding a spoon to the back of your neck stops a nosebleed? But before heading to your cutlery drawer, try this instead:
- Sit forward – This is important; contrary to what many people instinctively do, you don’t want to put your head back . . . unless you are Dracula, that is. Sit forward so the blood won’t go down your throat.
- Squeeze your nostrils together gently. Do this for 10 minutes or more until the blood clots.
- Breathe gently through your mouth.
- Don’t sniff or blow your nose for 15 minutes afterwards.
Most nosebleeds are innocuous, but make an appointment to see a doctor if you are having them repeatedly without injury or trauma. And see a doctor immediately if you:
- Bleed severely and profusely and/or is accompanied by dizziness or weakness
- Bleed for more than 30 minutes
- Take blood-thinning drugs
- Are bleeding after an injury or trauma (A nosebleed after a fall or car accident could be a sign of internal bleeding. One after a punch in the face could mean you have a broken nose.)
- Are with a child who may have put something in his or her nose.
- Recently started taking a new medication.
Keep your cool and know what to do in this and other First Aid situations by taking a Basic First Aid class!