Nose (go to pediatric ENT) What causes a nosebleed?
• The nose can bleed for a variety of reasons: • Allergies, infections, or dryness can cause itching and lead to picking of the nose. • Vigorous nose blowing can rupture superficial nasal blood vessels in the elderly and the young. • Clotting disorders that run in families or are due to medications • Fractures of the nose or the base of the skull can cause bleeding and should be regarded seriously when the bleeding follows a head injury. • Rarely, tumors (both malignant and nonmalignant) have to be considered, particularly in the older patient or in smokers. What can be done to stop a simple nosebleed? First, help the person stay calm, especially a young child. A person who is agitated may bleed more than someone who’s been reassured and supported. Then: • Pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between your thumb and the side of your index finger or soak a cotton ball with Afrin, Neo-Synephrine or Dura-Vent spray and place this into the nostril. • Press firmly but gently with yo
