What to do in case of a nosebleed?

You're sitting quietly on the couch or exercising outside, and suddenly ... a nosebleed! It can look quite intense, but in most cases it is fortunately harmless. Still, of course you want to know how to stop the bleeding as soon as possible and what you can do to prevent it in the future. We explain it for you in this blog.

A nosebleed is caused by a broken blood vessel in the nasal mucosa. This mucous membrane contains many small blood vessels that can be quickly damaged, for example, by dry air, blowing hard or an accident. But what can you do once the bleeding has started?

How do you stop a nosebleed?

First of all, stay calm and sit up straight. Panicking does not help, and lying down can cause blood to run down your throat, which can cause nausea. Breathe calmly through your mouth and try not to swallow. It is also important to blow your nose hard once and then push off to remove accumulated blood and clots, so the bleeding stops faster. Do this carefully, however, to avoid making the problem worse.

Next, bend slightly forward. This prevents the blood from running down your throat and helps the bleeding flow out of the nose. Use your thumb and index finger to firmly pinch your nose just below the bone. Hold this for at least ten minutes without letting go. This gives the blood vessel a chance to close.

Does the bleeding continue after ten minutes? Try again and pinch your nose shut again for ten minutes. If the bleeding still hasn't stopped after that, contact your doctor. Until then, continue to pinch your nose shut.

Common causes of a nosebleed

A nosebleed can have several causes. Dry air, such as from home heating, can dry out the nasal mucosa, causing blood vessels to burst more quickly. Frequent nose picking or hard blowing can also cause damage to the small blood vessels. Allergies and colds make the mucous membrane more vulnerable, which can also lead to nosebleeds. Some medications, such as blood thinners, increase the risk of a nosebleed, as do certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or blood clotting disorders. A hard blow to the nose, a fall or even hormonal changes during pregnancy can also contribute to the development of a nosebleed.

How can you prevent a nosebleed?

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the chances of a nosebleed. Maintain good humidity (between 40-60%) in your home with a humidifier, especially in winter when the heating is on. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration of the mucous membranes and, if necessary, lightly lubricate the inside of your nose with petroleum jelly. Be careful when blowing your nose and try to avoid nose picking. Smoking can irritate and dry out the nasal mucosa, so quitting smoking can also help reduce nosebleeds.

By taking these simple measures, you can reduce the chances of a nosebleed and deal with it better when it does happen. That way, you'll know exactly what to do and can get on with your day without worry!

Do you want to be well prepared for various medical emergencies and learn how to perform life-saving procedures for childcare settings? Then take our First Aid and Life-Saving for Childcare course.