Epistaxis - What Does It Mean, and How Can It Be Managed?

Oftentimes you see people bleed from the nose either in the middle of a fight or as a result of an accident or a fall. When you see such you simply say that Epistaxis has occurred.

Epistaxis is simply bleeding from the nose following a rupture of a blood vessel or blood vessels in the nostrils, or due to other factors. It can either be mild or severe depending on its cause and the extent of the injury, etc.

Causes:
It is usually due to rupture of tiny blood vessels in the mucous membrane of the septum. Nosebleed can therefore be caused by the following:

1. Direct blow to the nose
2. Picking of the nose.
3. Perforated septum
4. Acute sinusitis (inflammation of the lining of the sinus of bone of the face)
5. Hypertension
6. Cancer
7. Violent or vigorous blowing of the nose during a cold
8. Irritation from foreign bodies
9. Rheumatic fever in children
10. Polyps in the nose
11. Leukemia
12. Arteriosclerosis especially in the elderly
13. Allergy to certain foods
14. May be connected with menstruation
15. Excessively dry weather

First aid care of Epistaxis

1. Sit the patient up in order to prevent discomfort as a result of standing. This also lessens fatigue or the possibility of fainting.
2. Patient should tilt his head slightly forward to prevent ingesting the blood (can cause vomiting) or inhaling the blood (which can cause choking)
3. Have patient pinch the soft part of the nose firmly between the thumb and forefinger (index finger)
4. He should be instructed not to blow the nose as this may dislodge blood clot that would help arrest the bleeding.
5. he should also be instructed to breathe through the mouth
6. Apply cold compress to the bridge of the nose, lips and back of the neck
7. Reassure the patient that bleeding would soon stop
8. Protect his clothing from being soiled with blood
9. If bleeding is severe call the doctor or arrange to take patient to the hospital.

You must be aware that your first aid is needed to help the patient before the arrival of the doctor. Don't keep a severe case of epistaxis or try to manage it yourself if you are not a competent health care provider; otherwise you get things complicated and put the person at risk. You must call the doctor immediately to help you out.