Nose Bleeds
Nose bleeds is also called Epistaxis. Your nose is lined with a mucous membrane, which is filled with filled with blood vessels. When those vessels are injured, a nosebleed occurs. Blood leaks into the nasal cavity and out of the nostrils, or sometimes down the back of the throat. While people with bleeding disorders do not have nosebleeds more often than other people, they are more likely to last longer and harder to manage.
Managing a nosebleed
- Tilt head forward so that blood will not run down your throat
- Gently blow loose clots and mucous from your nose
- Pinch sides of nose together. This may need to occur for up to 20 minutes
- Hold an ice pack to your nose (cold helps clotting)
- Set a timer to make sure it lasts no longer than 20 minutes
When to seek medical attention
- Prolonged bleeding that does not stop with pressure or other remedies
- Nosebleeds lasting several hours or when there is more bleeding than usual
- If you think you need to take factor, take it. Call the clinic after.
- Vomiting blood or what looks like coffee grounds
- Signs of anemia (paleness, dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches)
- Your nosebleed was caused by trauma to the head or face
- Frequent recurrent nosebleeds that stop easily but continue for weeks
Contributing factors
- Forceful nose blowing or sneezing
- Nose picking
- Dry and/or hot air
- Trauma or injury
- Smoke
- High blood pressure
- Highly chlorinated pool or spa water
Prevention
- Keep nasal membranes moist (a thin layer of petroleum jelly or product recommended by your treatment center)
- Use a vaporizer or humidifier to keep room air moist (clean humidifier daily to pervert germ growth)
- Wear scarves over your nose and mouth in the winter
- Sleep in a cool room
- Increase fluid intake
Avoid
- Inserting objects into your nose, including fingers
- Forceful nose blowing, or blowing nose immediately after a shower
- Diving into a swimming pool
- Bending over for long periods of time
- Inhaling second-hand smoke
Tips
- Carry a dark colored washcloth to camouflage bleeds when in public
- Teach children what to do when they have a nosebleed
- Have an Action Plan for teachers and external caregivers
- Keep a travel bag packed with plastic bags, nose clamp, dark washcloth and pillowcase, wipes, instant cold packs
- Time nosebleed and record information
- Avoid hot foods the day of the nosebleed
- Rest for a few hours after stopping a nosebleed