How do you stop a bloody nose?

Question

About 4 times a year, I have bloody noses that last 3-4 hours. Last time was valentines day-- it started at breakfast and lasted till lunch while I was delivering singing carnation grams. I'm at work now, sitting at my desk, and I need it to go away, theres a customer coming in 20 minutes. I currently have a piece of tissue stuffed into my nose.

What can I do to make this thing STOP NOW?

Answer 1

Everyone who recommended leaning forward, pinching your nose continuously for several minutes, and applying ice to the area are all correct. As for the person who recommended inserting tampons in your nose, wierdly enough they are also partially correct...in the emergency department we routinely insert NASAL tampons into peoples noses to stop bleeding (these are much, much smaller than the vaginal tampons...remember that a tampon is any thing placed into an orifice to staunch the flow of blood and this is the same thing that you are doing by putting a piece of tissue in your nose).

If inserting tissue into your nose (packing it good) and pinching the area continously for 15-30 minutes does not help, even with an ice pack applied, there are a few other things that you can try. Grab a fresh bit of tissue, roll it so that you can put it into your nose easily, and soak it with Afrin (oxymetolazine) nasal decongestant spray. Nasal decongestants work by causing vasoconstriction...by causing the blood vessels in the area to clamp down. This reduces the flow of blood, making the formation of clots easier...ice does the same thing. First, pull out the old tissue and make sure that you are still bleeding. If so, blow your nose slightly to clear out any clots, insert the Afrin soaked tissue, and squeeze your nostril shut for another 15-30 minutes. I would not do this more than twice, as the Afrin will raise your blood pressure some and this can cause worsening of the bleeding. After that, pull out the tissue and if you are still bleeding repeat. If the bleeding has stopped, clean the nostril very gently with wet tissue and do not blow your nose for several hours. If you have to sneeze, squeeze the affected nostril shut first and open your mouth.

Currently, in the U.S. you can buy over the counter clotting agents for nose bleeds (and other minor bleeding, they even have it impregnated into band aids. I have about the same problem as you...about 3-6 times a year I get a nose bleed that lasts for 30+ minutes, my record is 2 hours. I had picked up one of these clotting agents and applicators at Walmart in the pharmacy area a few months back and I used it just a couple of days ago. The brand that I tried was Nosebleed QR and it comes in small plastic case that holds a Q-tip like applicator and a small container of the clotting agent...enough for two applications. To use it you rub the swab/Q-tip in the clotting agent, blow your nose gently to remove any clots, rub the swab around inside of your nostril, and then pinch your nose closed for about 2 minutes. It is supposed to work within that time, if not you are to repeat the application. It did not work for me, but I honestly cannot say that I managed to apply the agent directly to the bleeder. I ended my hour long nose bleed with the Afrin, as I mentioned above. Perhaps you will have better luck, and the 2 minute action time will be better than 15-30.

As others have mentioned, nose bleeds can be caused by many things, including high blood pressure and clotting disorders. You should see your doctor about this and see what he or she says. Also, if you have a history of high blood pressure you should avoid using Afrin and other decongestants before you check with your doctor. They can cause some vasoconstriction throughout your body, raising your blood pressure even more. However, it does work. For years I have used it to prevent bleeding before I insert objects in patient's noses. Sometimes, in the emergency department, we use liquid cocaine...another vasoconstrictor...to stop nose bleeds.

I hope that this all helps. I must ask, how well did the bloody carnations go over?

Answer 2

How To Stop Bloody Nose

Answer 3

ok ( either one will work one is more detailed then the other)

steps for stoping nosebleeds:
-tilt head slightly forward
- pinch nose for ten mins


How to stop a nosebleed
Follow these steps to stop a nosebleed:

Sit up straight and tip your head slightly forward.
Note: Do not tilt your head back. This may cause blood to run down the back of your throat, and you may swallow it. Swallowed blood can irritate your stomach and cause vomiting. Spit out any blood that gathers in your mouth and throat rather than swallowing it.
Blow all the clots out of your nose. This may require fairly forceful blowing, and the bleeding may increase when clots come out of the nose.
After blowing out the clots, use your thumb and forefinger to firmly pinch the soft part of your nose shut. You will have to breathe through your mouth.
Apply an ice pack to your nose and cheeks. Cold will constrict the blood vessels and help stop the bleeding.
Keep pinching for a full 10 minutes. Use a clock to time the 10 minutes. It can seem like a long time. Resist the urge to peek after a few minutes to see if your nose has stopped bleeding.
Check to see if your nose is still bleeding after 10 minutes. If it is, hold it for 10 more minutes. Most nosebleeds will stop after 10 to 20 minutes of direct pressure.
Put a light coating of a moisturizing ointment, such as Vaseline, inside your nose. Do not blow your nose or put anything else inside your nose for at least 12 hours after the bleeding has stopped.
Rest quietly for a few hours.

you should talk to you doctor to see why you are getting them so much

hope this helps

Answer 4

Covering your hands with a paper towel, pinch the bloody nose towards the top of the nose. Then tilt your head forward, not back. Hold it there until the blood stops gushing. If it then doesn't stop easily, see a doctor for better advise.

Answer 5

Most people are wrong on their advice they give you for this. Here is the best cure:

1. Pinch the end of your nose and tip your head FORWARD! Tipping your head back doesn't stop the nose from bleeding since the blood simply runs down the back of the throat and into your stomach but it doesn't clot. Tipping your head forward forces the blood to back up and clot.

2. Ice on the bridge will help a little bit but the ice won't constrict the veins a great deal.

3. For the long term--increase your intake of Vitamin K. Find a bottle or vitamins with a HIGH amount of Vitamin K and take one EVERY SINGLE DAY and your body will bill up a greater ability to stop hemoraging--even bloody noses.

Answer 6

You are going to need a baseball bat and some ice. First, you take the bat and smash it on your nose. Next, you take the ice and put it on your nose. If you feel a lot of pain, that is OK! It should stop bleeding in about a hour. If not please visit a doctor immediately. The doctor will stop the bleeding in about 24 hours. Also, go to mcdonalds afterwards for a burger.

Answer 7

These people on here telling you to tilt your head back are totally wrong, when you tilt your head back you are swallowing your own blood and can aspirate and/or vomit which could cause choking. You need to pinch the bridge of your nose gently and tilt your head forward. This will stop the bleeding quickly. If you need anymore help IM me.

Answer 8

Take out the paper.

Place your finger on the soft outside of your nostril that is bleeding. Press your finger firmly (but not too hard) against your nose so it closes off that nostril.

Hold in place for 5 minutes.

I get frequent nosebleeds. This works about 99% of the time for me. If the nosebleed continues after that, see a doctor about it.

Answer 9

DO NOT TILT YOUR HEAD UP WARDS!!!
This could cause you to choke on your own blood.

Lower your head and pinch the bridge of the nose & plug the nostrills with tissue until the bleeding stops.

Answer 10

Pinch the bridge of your nose hard.
Tip your head back.
Grab an ice pack and stick it over your nose.
That'll help clot the blood off.