$Unique_ID{BRK00772}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence}
$Title{What Should be Done if a Nosebleed Happens?}
$Subject{nosebleed first aid}
$Volume{O-6}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Should be Done if a Nosebleed Happens?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  A friend of mine was banged on the nose while we were shopping
together, and her nose started to bleed.  It caused quite a commotion, as
everyone had a different idea about what emergency care could be used.  Can
you please tell us what we should be doing if this happens again?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  I wasn't aware that shopping could be so dangerous, but nose bleeds
from an accidental blow are frequent occurrences.  The sight of blood dripping
from the nose puts many people in a state of panic, when a little calm and a
few simple maneuvers are all that are needed to put an end to this
inconvenience.  Try to find a suitable location away from the crowd, and where
the patient may sit quietly.  There is no need for rushing about as most nose
bleeds which result from accidents of this type will stop by themselves after
several minutes.  The bleeding usually occurs in a section of the nasal septum
(the middle "wall" of cartilage that divides the nose into two sides) that has
many small and fragile blood vessels, and which can easily be closed by
pinching the sides of the nose against the middle.  With the patient seated
with the head slightly forward, she can use the thumb and index finger to
squeeze the nostrils, which will compress the vessels, and stop the flow of
blood.  Maintain this pressure for a full five minutes, keeping the patient
calm and relaxed, helping to keep the blood pressure low.  This should do the
trick in most cases but if it fails after two attempts, seek out the care of a
physician.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
