Most people in Portland have experienced at least one nosebleed in their lifetime. While they can be scary – nobody wants to see blood pouring forth from a body part – most often, they are harmless. If you should experience a nosebleed this summer, taking the proper steps to staunch the flow of blood will have you back to normal in no time.
How to Treat a Nosebleed
Nosebleeds in Portland can occur at any time of the year but are more common in summer, when temperatures are warmer, and the weather is drier. They can be caused by a number of factors; the list includes trauma, infection, allergies, high blood pressure and insertion of an object into the nostrils – often a finger. Extreme temperatures and high altitudes can also increase the likelihood of a nosebleed. If they occur frequently, you might be suffering from an underlying disease such as hypertension, alcoholism or tumor, though most nosebleeds look a lot worse than they actually are.
If you experience a summer nosebleed, your Portland ENT doctor recommends taking the following actions:
- Sit down, tilt your head forward, and pinch your nostrils together with your thumb and forefinger until the bleeding stops (usually 5-10 minutes). Don’t tilt your head backwards – this can cause blood to flow down the back of your throat, leading to irritation and coughing.
- Avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes after the bleeding stops and do not pick your nose.
- Try to stay out of the heat if it’s a particularly warm day and refrain from traveling the rest of the day if you can. This will allow your broken blood vessels to heal.
If the above steps don’t stop your nosebleed, you may have to make a trip to the doctor to have the blood vessel cauterized. You should also seek medical attention if you frequently experience nosebleeds that are not connected to physical trauma. This is particularly true of children and the elderly, who could be experiencing an infection or other health condition that requires treatment.
A few other home remedies might be helpful in stopping or preventing a nosebleed. People in Portland report success with the following:
- Drink a 1/2 cup of water with a pinch of salt
- Apply a few drops of nettle leaf juice to each nostril
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Be sure to get lots of vitamins C and K
- Put a pack around your nose
- Place a few drops of coriander oil inside your nostrils
- Never forcefully blow your nose
- Quit smoking
Concerned about a nosebleed or have additional questions? Give your Portland ear, nose and throat specialist a call.
