How To Stop A Nosebleed

Nosebleed

Nosebleed is also known as epistaxis.
Bleeding occurs when any of the blood vessels within the nose are ruptured.
The most common area for a nosebleed is near the front, i.e. upper end of the nasal septum where there are many blood vessels. The nasal septum (along the fleshy part) divides the nose into 2 paths. This type of bleeding is known as anterior where blood flows out through the nostrils.
Posterior bleeding is less common and bleeding concentrates around the upper part of the nose. Blood tends to backflow towards the back of the mouth and throat.
Children are more vulnerable to nosebleeds than adults. Majority of the nosebleeds are not serious.
A rhinoscope is a tool that enables the doctor to view the back of the nose to spot the bleeding blood vessel(s).
Though rare, women with endometriosis whose endometrial cells have strayed to other parts of the body other than the pelvis, have experienced a nosebleed, coughed up blood or experience shoulder pain at the same time as their menstruation. No matter where they are, these misplaced endometrial cells will break down and bleed (just as they would if they were in the uterus) when the normal period commences.

Picking the nose vigorously
A hard knock on the nose
A broken nose
During the first menstrual period
Chemical irritants (e.g. ammonia, sulfuric acid)
Constant blowing or sneezing
Dry environment or low humidity
Nasal spray (e.g. nasal spray calcitonin used to treat osteoporosis)
Head injury
Uncontrolled hypertension
Leukemia
Liver disease
Tumor (benign or malignant)
Cocaine consumption
Bleeding disorder (e.g. hemophilia)
Medications that interfere with blood clotting (e.g. anticoagulants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen)

Sit in an upright position and pinch on the lower end of the nose (the soft fleshy part) for 5 to 15 minutes without releasing. When the bleeding has stopped, breathe through the mouth. Do not blow or clear clots for the next 4 hours.
If the bleeding continues after you have released pressure, firmly pack both of your nostrils with some gauze dabbed with antiseptic/antibiotic ointment and see a doctor at once.
Sniff a bit of yarrow powder or cayenne pepper. Open up yarrow capsules if powder form is not available.
Continuous bleeding for more than 15 minutes is a medical emergency. Get a doctor's attention immediately.
If bleeding re-occurs often, see a doctor at once.

Open your mouth when sneezing.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to a dry environment.
Stop nose pricking.
If the air is dry and is causing the nosebleeds, moist nose with tea tree oil or liquid Vitamin E (or petroleum jelly like vaseline) using a cotton wick every night before bedtime.
Strengthen blood vessels with vitamin C (2000-3000 mg) or bilberry extract.

Keep a bottle of neosynephrine or Afrin spray near. It is a mild vasoconstrictor that can stop some bleeding. Put a ice pack on the forehead or behind the neck to help slow bleeding.
...Sheryl via email, Nov 2005