Are frequent nosebleeds a serious problem?
I've had nosebleeds before due to being overheated but these are happening out of nowhere. I've had 8 in the past 3 days. I went to the ER Saturday morning b/c it bled for an hr straight whereas the previous nosebleeds only bled for about 5-10 min. They said there was nothing they could do b/c it had stopped and all my vitals were ok and I didn't have high blood pressure.
They also said that if it happens again to just lean forward and pinch my nose for 5 mins and if it persists to come back. Well just about an hour ago it did it again for about 30 minutes, but since they made such a non-big deal about it I decided not to go back. He also told me to get a humidifier and also get q tips to put vaseline in my nose, and to schedule an appt with my reg. doctor(who I cant see until Thurs. morning).
My question is, should I be worried? It's starting to last longer and its starting to burn. There are also huge clots that come out. I'm also getting over the flu.
Thanks in advance!
Comments
All of the advice give was appropriate. Most nosebleeds come from an irritated, superficial vessel which breaks open because of nasal congestion and or dryness (either one) and bleeds. Most can be stopped with direct pressure (pinching both nostrils) for 10 minutes continuously. The vaseline also will help keep the irritated vessel moist and not dry out and break open again as will a humidifier in your bedroom, increasing your water intake. The warning signs are continued, rapid bleeding after continuous pinching of the nostrils for 10 minutes. Then, they will consider cauterizing the vessel so that it doesn't continue to break open and bleed. Clots are common with any nosebleed and when you are pinching the nostrils. Gently remove them but do NOT blow your nose right after having a nosebleed. Inability to stop the nosebleed yourself after 10 minutes warrants a return to the doctor/ER.
If it persists, go see an ear nose and throat specialist. My son has had the same problem for years. About every 3 years they will cauterize the vein in his nose so the nose bleeds stop. I had never been told it was anything to worry about, and we've gone for the procedure, which is pretty painless and simple.
Good luck- I know how frustrating this problem can be.
Next time you get a nose bleed grab a towell get it a little bit wet,put 2 pieces of ice in the towell now pinch you're nice together like you would to make it stop bleeding with a piece of ice on each side of you'r nose.See how that helps.If it does,do I get 10 points.