Sunday, March 11, 2012

Epistaxes ( Nose bleeds) - Anterior Nose bleed

This is probably one of the scariest medical problem a parent or even an adult experiences and many a times it is innocuous.
Cause is local or generalized (systemic)
Broadly divided to Anterior and Posterior nose bleeds.
Today the discussion will be anterior nose bleeds


Nosebleeds begin in the lower part of the septum, (wall that separates the two nostrils ). The septum has tiny blood vessels that can break by nose blowing or nose picking. Nosebleeds coming from the front of the nose,  (anterior nosebleeds) often begin with blood out one nostril usually when sitting or standing.

Anterior nosebleeds are common during dry climates or during the winter when dry, heated indoor air dehydrates the nasal membrane. Dryness result in crusting, cracking, and finally bleeding. 
This bleeding can be prevented by placing a slight application of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment on the end of a fingertip and then rubbing it inside the nose, especially on the septum.

ADVISE TO STOP BLEEDING
Stay calm, or help the child (or the adult) to calm down. Agitation makes bleeding more profuse.
Keep head higher than the level of the heart. Sit up.
Leaning slightly forward helps the blood not going into the throat
Gently blow any clotted blood out of the nose.  N
asal decongestant spray can help.
Using the thumb and index finger, pinch all the soft parts of the nose.  
Do not pack the inside of the nose with gauze or cotton.
Hold the position for five minutes. 
If bleeding persists, hold an additional 10 minutes.
Here is the first aid demo: from YOUTUBE
Surgical procedure for severe nose bleeding

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