Nosebleeds can be caused by injury, but also by dryness and irritation inside the nose. Nosebleeds can be prevented by not irritating the nose by picking, scratching, or rubbing it. You can keep the inside of your nose moist by increasing the humidity of your home, and applying petroleum jelly in your nostrils. If the nosebleed doesn't stop or if you can't prevent the nosebleed from recurring, talk to your doctor.
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Method 1 of 3: Avoiding Irritation
Step 1. Don't pick your nose
By far the most common type of nosebleed is the anterior nosebleed, when blood comes out of the lower septum, which is the wall between the two nasal cavities. This area has many sensitive blood vessels that can leak when irritated. Picking the nose is one of the main irritants that causes nosebleeds.
- In general, you should not pick your nose if you want to minimize the chance of nosebleeds.
- Make sure your nails are trimmed regularly, so if you happen to pick your nose, the chances of irritation are lower.
Step 2. Reduce the habit of blowing your nose, and if so, do it slowly
Picking can cause irritation, but blowing your nose can also cause nosebleeds. Don't blow your nose too often, and if you have to, do it slowly. Nosebleeds may occur if you have a cold or allergies and are blowing your nose more often than usual.
Rubbing the nose violently or with other physical actions, or trauma, can also cause nosebleeds
Step 3. Avoid certain over-the-counter nasal sprays and oral medications
Antihistamines, decongestants, and over-the-counter medical nasal sprays can cause nosebleeds. Excessive use of these products can dry out the inside of the nose, causing sores and nosebleeds. In addition, many types of antihistamines and oral decongestants can dry out the nasal passages and make nosebleeds worse. If the medication is being used to treat allergies but is contributing to nosebleeds, try cutting back or talk to your doctor about other options.
Step 4. Reduce the use of aspirin
If you take aspirin frequently and start having nosebleeds, there may be a connection between the two. Medications such as aspirin and anticoagulants make bleeding easier, and increase the risk of nosebleeds.
- If you suspect a prescribed medication is causing a nosebleed, talk to your doctor.
- Do not stop using the prescribed medication unless directed by your doctor. Stopping the drug can cause serious health complications. If you can't help but take aspirin or anticoagulants, talk to your doctor about the best ways to avoid and manage nosebleeds.
Method 2 of 3: Protecting the Nose
Step 1. Apply petroleum jelly on the inside of the nose
If the inside of the nose is dry and irritated, the risk of nosebleeds increases. You can counteract this risk by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the inside of your nose. This is to ensure the nasal cavity remains moist and reduce the chance of dryness and irritation.
You can reapply two, three, or four times a day
Step 2. Use a saline solution or a water-based nasal gel
An alternative to petroleum jelly is a nasal gel specifically designed to keep the inside of the nose moist. You can buy the gel at pharmacies or drugstores without a prescription. Make sure you apply the gel carefully and according to the directions on the package. You can also try a saline nasal spray to moisten the nasal passages.
Step 3. Wear head protection when exercising
If you take part in sports where you are likely to hit your head, such as rugby, soccer or martial arts, you should consider wearing head protection. In addition to protecting the head, the protector can also reduce the impact of the impact which in turn will reduce the possibility of nosebleeds.
Step 4. Know when you should see a doctor
If you have frequent nosebleeds and can't avoid them, you should make an appointment with your doctor. If your child under 2 has a nosebleed, call the doctor. You should also talk to your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications, have a blood clotting disorder or high blood pressure, and if your nosebleed is accompanied by symptoms of anemia, such as palpitations or fast heartbeat, dizziness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Seek immediate medical help if:
- Blood flowed for more than 20 minutes.
- You lose a lot of blood and the blood comes out profusely.
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have swallowed so much blood that you are vomiting.
- Nosebleeds occur after a serious injury.
Method 3 of 3: Making Changes in the Home Environment
Step 1. Keep your home humid
Low humidity is a common cause of nosebleeds, so if the humidity in your home is low and you have frequent nosebleeds, increase the humidity. You can increase the humidity level throughout the house, but most importantly in the bedroom.
- Dry air is a major contributor to nosebleeds, which can be treated with a humidifier.
- If your nose feels very dry, breathe in some moist air. You can turn on the hot water faucet in the bathroom and stay there in the steam for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- You can also use a vaporizer that gives off cool steam in the bedroom.
Step 2. Lower the temperature in the bedroom
You can limit the chance of nosebleeds by lowering the temperature in the bedroom. Low temperatures and cool air will reduce the risk of dryness in the nasal cavity. Try to set the temperature between 16°C and 18°C while sleeping at night.
Elevating your head while sleeping with an extra pillow can also help avoid nosebleeds
Step 3. Stay hydrated
Dry nasal membranes are more prone to sores and bleeding. Keeping your home humid can prevent nosebleeds, but you should also keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water. If your nosebleed is serious and occurs frequently, drink at least eight glasses a day. In very dry weather, try to drink a little every 15 minutes.
