Do they occur commonly? Can they be prevented? When to have it checked?
Nose bleeds are common occurrences in some households. Some of us have the tendency to take it seriously, get it checked and others do not pay any importance.
First aid when your nose bleeds
- Keep a cold towel or tissue on your nose
- Sit or stand upright (if you are feeling dizzy, lean forward)
- Try to apply ice on the nostril
If the nose does not stop bleeding for over 20 minutes with the above, or if the bleeding is increasing, you need to be checked by a doctor. Call or seek help!
Occasional nose bleeds
The most common causes of nose bleeds include some of the below.
1. lack of sleep
For students and adults, nose bleeds seem to occur with lack of adequate sleep. Check on how much time did the person get to sleep over the past 48 hours. Inadvertently, the answer would be <4 hours in the past 24 hours. Without 8 hours of sleep (or mostly routine amounts of sleep for adults), body gets stressed. Ensure the individual drinks water and gets some proper sleep at the earliest. Body gets to reset itself quickly.
2. stress
During exam time, critical meetings / presentations, one tends to get stressed. While they may feel that they are very calm (mentally might feel calm), but those around them can sense their stress levels. Look at all the work that has been completed in the past 24-48 hours and how much work is pending in the next 24-48 hours. When the answer is “A LOT” in simple terms, try to get some help in whatever way possible. Think of anyone who can help you, be they teachers, office colleagues, parents, friends, study circle. Also, try to drink some water and take a power nap. Helps a great deal!
3. scratching or nose picking
Simple and most common cause found in children <12 years old. Check if the child has a common cold and has been excessively blowing their nose. Some children tend to have a habit of picking their nose when they are stressed or anxious, causing a nose bleed.
4. Room temperature (heat)
When the body gets heated up (based on the food we eat, or room temperature), for some it may trigger nose bleeds. Having a cold water bath, reducing the room temperature, or taking a swim – anything that can reduce the temperature from the extreme heat helps.
5. Humidity
If there is less humidity in the air, the nostrils get dry and this may cause nose bleeds. Check the room temperature and humidity levels. Switching on a humidifier near the person helps. If you do not have a humidifier handy, it helps to spray or sprinkle some water on your face and wash your nostrils.
Frequent nose bleeds
If you have the tendency to get frequent nose bleeds, you may want to check with your doctor to understand the reason behind the same.
How to sleep after a nose bleed?
Try not to lift or strain after a nosebleed. Raise your head on a pillow while you sleep. Put a thin layer of a saline (salt water) inside your nose.
Will the nose bleeds stop on their own?
Yes. Nose bleeds are usually temporary and not serious. They will stop on their own and/or with first-aid / self-care (as shared above).
When should one be concerned about a nose bleed?
Seek emergency medical care if nosebleeds
- Follow an injury, such as a car accident or head injury
- Involve a greater than expected amount of blood
- Do not stop bleeding for over 20 minutes
This information is based on experience and home remedies, and would be helpful for those suffering from occasional nose bleeds. Please consult a doctor if your nose bleeds are frequent and require attention.
Stay safe. Stay healthy!