NOSEBLEEDS
PROBLEM
Most nosebleeds stop within 10 minutes. If you have trouble breathing with a nosebleed, call 911.
CAUSE
Nosebleeds may be caused by several problems:
A.Trauma from nose picking or forcefully blowing the nose.
B.Chronic sinus infections.
C.Allergies.
D.Drugs, including over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and Pepto-Bismol, or street drugs such as snorted cocaine.
E.Exposure to irritants.
PREVENTION
A.Avoid picking your nose. Keep fingernails trimmed short.
B.Do not blow your nose too frequently or too hard (it may also cause eardrum tearing).
C.Blow your nose through both nostrils at the same time to equalize pressure.
D.Use a humidifier in your home, or place a container of water near the radiator.
E.Use a lubricant such as petrolatum, A & D Ointment, or a skin barrier such as zinc oxide to add moisture to the inside of your nose with a Q-tip and promote healing.
F.Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.If you experience a nosebleed, take these steps:
1.Sit up and lean forward.
2.Apply pressure to the bridge of your nose for 10 to 15 minutes to stop the blood flow.
3.Apply ice to the dorsum (just below the bridge) of the nose.
4.If the bleeding continues, spray Afrin into your nostril.
5.If the bleeding still continues, lightly soak a cotton ball with the nasal spray, insert it into your nose, and press.
6.Apply zinc oxide, petrolatum, or A & D Ointment to prevent further drying and abrasion of the nasal septum (the partition between the two nostrils).
B.Gently blowing your nose also decreases or stops a nosebleed.
Activity: Avoid or limit the following activities for 3 to 5 days after a nosebleed:
A.Heavy lifting.
B.Straining.
C.Bending over from the waist.
D.Very hot showers.
Diet: Avoid hot, spicy foods for 3 to 5 days after a nosebleed.
Medications: Avoid medications that increase bleeding, such as aspirin and Pepto-Bismol.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If:
A.Bleeding does not stop with pressure or nasal spray applied to the bleeding site.
B.You keep having nosebleeds (more than two in a week or four in a month).
C.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE