How does raw bacon work to stop a nosebleed?

Question

SOmeone told me her son had a teriible nosebleed. A nurse friend of her told her to put a piece on raw bacon in his nose....and it worked. Anyone know how this works?

Answer 1

The nitrates found in bacon (or sausage or bologna) will act as an astringent and slow bleeding. It may hurt though.
(silver nitrate is used in the ER setting)

Answer 2

As a physician I have never heard of this, but I can give you some information.

The bacon is probably cold so it could act as a vasoconstrictor. This reduces the blood flow to the area and can slow the bleeding.

As mentioned, raw meat is not the best thing to place near your mouth or eyes as it is can provide a good breeding ground for bacteria. You would be better off using a package of frozen vegatables, a commercially available cold pack, or ice in a towel - just don't put the cold object directly on the skin.

Please note in reference to the second statement, the current recommendations are to keep your head forward, not back.

Pinch your nose at the bridge (about where eye glasses would rest) and not at the nostril.

Seek emergency care if the nose bleed does not stop within a few minutes. The is especially true if you are on a blood thinner (coumadin, aspirin, plavix, or are getting lovenox injections), or have a known or suspected bleeding disorder.

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Simple man,
The astringent properties of silver nitrate come from the silver which reacts readily with proteins, not the nitrate which is usually unreactive.

See:
http://www.uaf.edu/iacuc/training/module_3/3_metals.html

Answer 3

I would be concerned about the bacteria in the raw meat, even if it's bacon. Although I'm just a layman...this sends up a red flag.

Answer 4

Raw Bacon? You must be kidding me.

Just keep your head above your heart level, or turn your head backwards.

Hole your nose with your finger, in the meantime, breathe with your mouth.