Managing the Bleeding Nose...
Epistaxis or bleeding from inside the nose is a common condition which may occur either after local trauma, excessive blowing or due to systemic conditions like hypertension, anticoagulant overdose or bleeding disorders. Many cases still remain idiopathic. The immediate first-aid involves pinching the nose and inclining the head forward to avoid passage of blood into the pharynx. Remember DO NOT TILT THE HEAD BACKWARDS. An icepack applied over the forehead also causes reflex vasoconstriction of the nasal vessels and helps limit the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, a hospital visit is warranted. If the source can be identified, it is cauterized and if not, the nasal cavity/nasopharynx is packed using a ribbon gauze or balloon catheter. If the bleeding still does not resolve, embolization or ligation of the vessels supplying the nose may be tried. Correctable causes such as hypertension also need to be ruled out and managed accordingly. Image via: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/
