How to stop bleeding
- 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 little 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.
How to prevent bleeding
- Open your mouth when sneezing.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to a dry environment.
- Stop nose pricking.
- If dry air is causing nosebleeding, 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.
Chapter: Nosebleed :: 4 August 2007
