Nosebleeds

Close Your Nose And Open Your Mouth : Sit up, bend your head forward slightly, and pinch the soft part of the nose below the bony bridge, recommends Moore. At the same time, keep your mouth open to help you breathe. Having your head tilted forward keeps blood from going down the back of the throat, which can cause you to cough, choke, or spit up blood. "Only a slight tilt of the head is enough, because otherwise you're causing too much pressure in the head and nose," says Zeb Koran, R.N., C.E.N., C.C.R.N., director of Educational Services for the Emergency Nurses Association in Chicago. In addition, "you can monitor how much blood you're losing," says Moore. That's why the old wives' tale that says that lying down is best is not only old but untrue. "They were under the mistaken belief, i guess, that if you couldn't see the blood coming out that it must be stopping," says Moore. If the bleeding hasn't stopped after about 20 minutes, apply pressure for another 20 minutes or so. If the bleeding hasn't ceased at that point, go to the doctor or emergency room.

Make Your Nose Cold : If your nosebleed is persistent, ice may stop the flow quicker. There are a few different ways to try the cold approach. "Studies have shown that sucking on ice can constrict the blood vessels," says James A. Stankiewicz, M.D., vice-chairman and professor of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Loyola University Medical School in Maywood, Illinois. Moore recommends a cold compress of ice wrapped in a towel or wash cloth and placed on the forehead and bridge of the nose. He also says "a bag of frozen peas smashed up like a beanbag and wrapped up in a towel can be very effective." (Frozen, unpopped popcorn in a sealable plastic bag can also be wrapped in a thin towel and used as an ice pack.) Even after the nosebleed stops, a cold compress can help further constrict the blood vessels.

Spray The Bleeding Away : Over the counter nasal decongestant sprays may help stop a nosebleed. "Spray the nostrils every 10 to 15 minutes for about an hour to constrict the blood vessels," says Moore. If the bleeding does not stop after this time, stop using the spray and see a doctor.

Keep A Child Calm : Crying and sniffles will only prolong the bleeding.

Leave Your Nose Alone : Resist the temptation to blow your nose, cough, sneeze, or sniffle after you've gotten the bleeding to stop. "If you do, you may dislodge the clot and start the bleeding all over again," says Koran. Also, try not to bend over for a while, as this creates pressure in the nasal passages. And if you must blow your nose, do it gently.

Moisturize : Dryness, especially the kind caused by forced air heating in the winter, is one of the most common causes of nosebleed. "The elderly are particularly susceptible, since they are more likely to spend more time indoors in the winter," says Moore. To moisten the nose, Stankiewicz suggests applying a petroleum or water based jelly just inside the front portion of the nostrils. He adds that the new over the counter saline sprays may be helpful, but they have yet to be studied by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Koran prefers a timeless remedy for at-home relief: "Place pans of water on the radiators," she advises. She also suggests steaming up the bathroom during a shower for a blast of humidity.

Turn on a Nebulizer : This type of humidifying unit "can deliver slightly warm or cool air in big droplets," says Moore. Humidifiers, which produce a cool mist, and vaporizers, which distribute warm air, can also help combat dryness in the home. Moore recommends cool mist as most effective in helping a dry nose. Some experts, including Moore, believe that these units should be filled only with distilled water to combat the growth of bacteria, which reportedly can irritate the nasal passages and the entire respiratory system. Other experts, however, say that tap water is fine, as long as the unit is cleaned frequently.

Avoid Aspirin : Aspirin is an anticoagulant, or so called "blood thinner," which can aggravate a sensitive nose and cause it to bleed. Prescription anticoagulants, often used in the treatment of blood clots, can do the same. However, if you are on a prescription anticoagulant, do not stop taking the medication before discussing it with your doctor.

Get Enough Vitamin C And Zinc : Vitamin C, a component in the production of collagen, and zinc, helpful in the use of protein, are both important to the maintenance of body tissues, including the blood vessels. Be sure to eat a variety of foods in order to get enough of these nutrients. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits and vegetables, including potatoes. Good sources of zinc include beef, liver, fish, whole-wheat products, brown rice, and popcorn.

Check Your Iron : "If you're prone to frequent nosebleeds, you may want to increase your iron intake," suggests Stankiewicz. He recommends seeing your doctor first for a blood count and analysis. Iron-rich foods include liver, most lean red meats, dark meat poultry, spinach, and beans (such as kidney and lima).

Control Your Hypertension : People with hypertension, or high blood pressure, may also suffer from arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which can make blood vessels stiff and noncompliant. Some experts believe that such vessels in the nose may be more prone to bleed. If you find yourself with frequent nosebleeds and no explanation, and hypertension runs in your family. Only your physician can diagnose high blood pressure and recommend the proper course of therapy to control it.

Don't Smoke : Here's yet another reason not to puff. "Smoking can irritate and dry out the nasal passages," says Stankiewicz. Smoking is also a factor in hypertension.

Consider your Hormones : Estrogen, especially in women, plays a part in the production of nasal mucus. The estrogen. level in women ebbs and flows during the menstrual cycle and all but disappears in postmenopausal women. "As we age, the mucous membranes begin to atrophy in both women and men," says Moore. This atrophy can make nosebleeds more likely. What can you do? Postmenopausal women can consider estrogen replacement therapy. Keeping the nasal passages moist can also help reduce the likelihood of nosebleeds.

Stop The Picking : If you can't seem to keep your child from picking his or her nose, you may want to try this. "Tape a single layer of half-inch gauze over the nostrils," says Stankiewicz. "The child will be able to breathe but will not be able to get his finger through the gauze."

Teach Your Child To Use Tissues : "Children imitate what their parents do," says Koran. "So showing your child how to use tissues may keep him or her from picking." This, in turn, may help prevent nosebleeds