Nose bleedings, or epistaxis, can be very annoying for someone who experiences it on a regular basis.
We have all been there at one point or another.
It can be quite frightening to see blood dripping from your nose.
A part of the body that is extremely sensitive is the nose lining, which contains dozens of tiny blood vessels.
The nostrils begin bleeding if the vessels rupture.
Various factors can lead to the bleeding of the nose, such as injury, respiratory problems, allergies, colds, and excessive sneezing.
Location, frequency, and many other factors determine the degree of seriousness of nose bleeding.
Most nose bleedings are usually not serious, and you can use self-care treatments at home without seeking medical attention.
Fortunately, there are numerous home remedies that you can use for nosebleeds.
Types Of Nose Bleeds
1. Anterior Nosebleed
Blood vessels in the front of the nose tend to rupture during an anterior nosebleed.
There are many home remedies that can treat anterior nose bleeding.
2. Posterior Nosebleed
Blood vessels slightly close to the throat rupture in the case of posterior nosebleeds.
It is possible for the bleeding to last up to 20 minutes in this case.
Medical attention may be needed for posterior nose bleeding.
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What Are The Causes of Nose Bleeding
One of the most sensitive parts of the body is the inner nose, which is packed with tiny blood vessels.
There are several factors that can lead to nosebleeds.
Dry air is usually the cause of this, either because it is too hot or because you are in a low-humidity climate.
Some other causes of nose bleeding include the following:
- Picking your nose in a harsh manner
- Excessively blowing your nose
- Indoor air that is dry and heated
- Getting hit on the nose
- Injury in the nose
- Allergic reactions
- Medication side effects
- High altitudes
- Using nasal sprays excessively
- Blood thinners
- Respiratory infections
- Irritation due to certain chemicals
How To Stop Nose Bleeding? (Treatment & Prevention)
Changing your lifestyle can reduce the frequency of nosebleeds if you have a history of frequent nosebleeds.
Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier would be a good idea at night.
The risk of nosebleeds increases when you smoke, so you should stop.
It is useful for some people to apply petroleum jelly with a cotton swab or use saline nasal spray into the nose.
Here are some tips for treating a nosebleed:
1. Be calm
When you see blood coming from your nose, it is normal to feel anxious.
It is not fatal in nature, so do not panic.
Make sure your head is above your heart to minimize bleeding
2. Sit upright
It may help to lean forward slightly so the blood drains from your nose, rather than getting caught in your throat (causing stomach discomfort, vomiting or choking).
Rather than breathing through your nose, you should remain calm and breathe through your mouth.
3. Make sure not to pack your nostrils
When nosebleeds occur, people usually try packing their noses with tissues, tampons, or cotton pads.
You should wet a washcloth to wipe the blood from your nose even if medical professionals use medication-soaked cloths to stop bleeding.
The cotton pads can cause the blood vessels in the nose to become irritated and worsen the bleeding.
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4. Apply a decongestant spray
A doctor may prescribe spray decongestants to tighten your nasal vessels.
Decongestants stop nasal bleeding, relieve congestion, and calm inflammation.
By applying the medication to the affected nostril at least three times, the nose will stop bleeding.
5. Pinch the nose
Using your fingers, compress and apply enough pressure in the ruptured vessels to stop bleeding for at least 10 minutes on the fleshy or soft parts of your nose.
It is important that you continue applying pressure consistently for ten minutes to prevent the bleeding from restarting.
When you experience a nosebleed that persists past thirty minutes or is profuse, seek immediate medical care.
6. Do not pick your nose
If you pick your nose frequently after the bleeding has stopped, it could irritate the membranes and cause further bleeding.
Further, nose-picking damages nasal membranes and removes the clot, which may lead to nosebleeds.
7. Avoid Blowing Your Nose
Even though it may be tempting to blow your nose to clear out the dried remnants of a nosebleed, doctors strongly advise against it.
Epistaxis is more likely to recur if you blow your nose within the first 24 hours.
In order to avoid injuring your nasal membranes and triggering another bleed, blow your nose gently when you wish to begin blowing again.
8. Do Not Bend or Do Straining Activities
Performing strenuous physical activities, such as bending over, carrying heavy objects, and lifting can trigger nosebleeds.
After a nosebleed, such activities should be avoided for at least 2 days.
If you want to prevent another episode of epistaxis, do not do anything strenuous until your nose has recovered.
9. Apply Ice
A cloth wrapped around an ice pack can be placed on your nose to help constrict your blood vessels.
Along with slowing down bleeding, ice can alleviate inflammation around the damaged area by tightening vessels.
Avoid direct contact with ice with your skin and use it for only 10 minutes or less.
10. Use a humidifier
The reason that nosebleeds can occur is that your nose membranes can become irritated by extremely hot or cold air.
You can improve the quality of your indoor air by using humidifiers.
A humidifier can help prevent night nosebleeds by keeping your bedroom humid.
11. Moisturizing the nasal membranes (Saline Spray)
Inhalation of dry air dries out the mucus membrane, causing the nose to become irritated, causing a nosebleed.
After you wake up, you can use the saline spray every three hours to keep the nasal membranes moist.
An alternative to saline spray is petroleum jelly.
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12. Investing in protective equipment
Kickboxers, basketball players, and rugby players often experience nosebleeds in their sports.
In these cases, protective equipment is advised.
A transparent mask is used by some to reduce the risk of nasal injuries and nosebleeds caused by potential blows to the face.
In order to avoid injuring your child’s nose or getting epistaxis, you should provide them with protective equipment when playing.
How To Treat & Prevent Nose Bleeding At Home
1. Essential Oils For Nose Bleeding
You’ll Need
- Few drops of essential oil (preferably cypress essential oil, lavender essential oil or any of your choice)
- Paper towel
- Water
Process
- Mix 2 drops of essential oil in a cup of water.
- Take a paper towel and dip it in this mixture.
- After the excess water has been squeezed out, place the paper towel on your nose.
- Gently press the area for a few minutes with a paper towel.
- You can apply a drop or two of the essential oil directly on the nostril, but make sure that you are not sensitive or allergic to either essential oil.
2. Cold Compress
Cold compresses work best for treating nose bleeding.
The tiny blood vessels in your nose that are bleeding can be constricted by holding a cold compress against your nose for a few minutes.
Cold temperatures cause the blood vessels inside the nose to constrict.
You’ll Need
- Ice cubes
- Towel
Process
- You can use a towel to wrap ice cubes and place them on the nose.
- Gently press the area for 3 – 5 minutes while using this cold compress.
- You may need to repeat this process in a few hours if the bleeding persists.
3. Vitamin E and Vitamin K
Vitamin E oil can help keep your nasal membranes moisturized during the dry winter months.
It hydrates the skin very well. Nosebleeds can be prevented using this remedy.
Vitamin E
- Take Vitamin E capsules.
- Take a small bowl and pour the oil that is contained inside the capsule.
- Take a few drops of the oil and rub it inside of your nostrils.
- It is best to leave it overnight.
- Each time your nose feels dry, repeat this.
Vitamin K
Kale, spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, and others in the vitamin K rich group are important because they help form collagen, which helps in creating a smooth and moist nasal lining.
Vitamin K prevents the blood vessels from rupturing easily by keeping them strong. When it comes to long-term cures, vitamin K-rich foods can help a great deal.
Note: Neither vitamin C nor vitamin K provides immediate relief, but does help in the long-term run.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy.
Vinegar contains an acid that helps constrict blood vessels and stop bleeding.
If you give this a shot, it usually works the first time.
You’ll Need
- A cotton ball
- 1 – 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar
Process
Take a cotton ball and soak it in vinegar, then place it in the affected nostril for about 10 minutes.
5. Cayenne Pepper
The cayenne pepper stimulates cells and regulates blood flow, which means that it can help relieve the heavy pressure in the haemorrhaging area.
Hemostatic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties of cayenne pepper helps stop nosebleeds.
You’ll Need
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder
- 1 Cup of Warm water
Process
When the bleeding begins, mix one teaspoon of cayenne powder in a cup of warm water, and drink it.
This causes the blood flow to cease immediately.
Note: If you are a pregnant or lactating mother, Don’t try this.
6. Nettle Leaf
Nettle leaf is a natural astringent and hemostatic agent, so it works well as a herbal remedy.
Allergy nosebleeds are prevented with this.
You’ll Need
- 1 teaspoon nettle leaf tea
- Cotton pad
- 1 cup hot water
Process
- Prepare the tea by brewing fresh nettle leaves.
- Allow it to cool down
- Take a cotton pad and dip it in the solution and put it on your nose.
- For 5-10 minutes until the bleeding stops, keep the cotton pad on.
- Repeat if required.
7. Humidifier
It is common for nosebleeds to occur in winter due to dry air.
Maintaining moist air around you can prevent nosebleeds.
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8. Lots of water
Insufficient water consumption can also cause nose bleeds by dehydrating the mucous membranes.
Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water.
Nosebleeds can be treated with simple home remedies such as those mentioned above.
There almost are no side effects associated with these natural treatment options.
Seek Emergency Medical Care In Following Cases
- Getting injured in an accident, such as a car crash. (Call 911 or your local emergency number or have someone do it)
- The amount of blood involved is higher than expected.
- If breathing is impeded by nosebleeds.
- Despite compression, they last more than 30 minutes.
- It affects children younger than 2 years of age.
- When your nosebleeds are frequent, even if they seem to be stopping on their own, you should see your healthcare provider. An important step in treating frequent nosebleeds is determining their cause.