Managing Nosebleeds: At Home Instructions
The following instructions will help you to know what to expect in the days following surgery. Do not hesitate to call if you have questions or concerns.
How to prevent nosebleeds:
- Nasal Saline
- Saline gel (Ayr Gel®) or (®Neil Med Naso Gel): Use up to 3 times a day in each nostril. This can be purchased over-the-counter.
- Nasal saline spray: Use 2 to 3 times a day in each nostril. These sprays can be purchased over-the-counter or made at home.
- CCF Nasal Cream: Apply this up to 3 times a day in each nostril. Apply directly to the septum (the internal divider between the nostrils) with a cotton-tip applicator (Q-tip). A prescription will be given to you for this. This product is only available at Cleveland Clinic pharmacies.
- Cool Mist humidifier: Run a cool mist humidifier in the bedroom at night.
How to avoid nosebleeds:
- Medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen: These medications affect clotting. Consult with your primary physician if you take these medications daily for your heart or prevention of stroke.
- Heavy lifting or straining: This increases blood pressure and can start bleeding.
- Nose blowing: This can dislodge healing scabs and restart bleeding.
- Sneezing: For same reason as above. Sneeze through an open mouth.
- Picking: This will remove healing scabs and damage blood vessels.
Follow these steps to stop a nosebleed:
- Stay calm and breathe through your mouth.
- Sit down and lean your body and your head slightly forward. This will keep the blood from running down your throat, which can cause nausea, vomiting, choking, and diarrhea. (Do NOT lay flat or put your head between your legs.)
- Use a basin or damp washcloth to catch the blood. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch together the soft part of your nose. Make sure to pinch together the soft part of the nose. Squeezing at or above the bony part of the nose will not put pressure where it can help stop bleeding.
- Keep pinching your nose continuously for at least 10 minutes (timed by clock) before “peeking” to see if the bleeding has stopped. Every time you stop to “peek” you have to restart the clock!! If your nose is still bleeding, continue squeezing the nose for another 15 minutes.
- You can spray an over-the-counter decongestant spray, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin®, Neo-Synephrine®) into the bleeding side of the nose and then apply pressure to the nose as described above. Afrin® is to be used for no more than 2-3 days.
- Seek medical care through a nearby emergency room or by calling 911 if you cannot stop the bleeding after more than 20 minutes of applying direct pressure.
Cleveland Clinic nasal ointment ingredients:
- Plastibase
- Glycerin
- H2O
Ayr Nasal Saline Gel or Neil Med NasoGel
Please do not hesitate to call our office with any questions or concerns.
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