Nasal bleeding: What should we do?

Nasal bleeding, also called epistaxis, is a common occurrence in both the pediatric age and the adult patient, which is why it is of vital importance to know what to do in case of evidence of the appearance of this symptom?

The epistaxis can be of multifactorial origin, that is, it can have different causes. In a didactic way we can summarize them in some local causes, among which traumatisms originated in the area secondary to some contusion, inflammation of the mucosa and venous plexuses (vasculature), which can occur in allergic processes facilitating the appearance of microruptures. of the same, with the subsequent bleeding, or by introduction of a foreign body which is extremely frequent in the pediatric age. However, there are also some systemic conditions that can trigger epistaxis, mainly bilateral (through both nostrils), such is the case of coagulation defects (blood factors that favor the process of coagulation) whether they are of congenital origin or acquired, chronic kidney disease, medications among others. However the purpose of this Post is really to know what to do in an episode of nosebleed?

• Place cold compresses (ice wrapped in a tissue or cold gel) in the nasal area, which favors the coagulation process faster.

• DO NOT place the head back, due to the risk of occlusion of the upper and lower area..

• Make pressure in the form of a pincer with the thumb and forefinger occluding both nostrils simultaneously, thus breathing through the mouth. This compression must be done during a period of 3 minutes. It should be repeated 3 times, if after the 3 time it is done the bleeding persists, you should go to an emergency area to use other devices that limit the bleeding. Manual compression facilitates platelet aggregation and therefore the sooner formation of a clot to control bleeding.