What could be the cause of frequent (and long) nosebleeds?
Also, what can be done to stop them. Thanks for any information.

Computer Center              Koala collector
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA  16057

: What could be the cause of frequent (and long) nosebleeds?
: Also, what can be done to stop them. Thanks for any information.

I'm not sure if this is scientifically supported, but the ol' method of
laying face up with the cool handle of a butter knife resting on the
bridge of the nose seems to work for me.

   -Joe
--

Sorry - this method is not scientifically supported 8-(

Frequent nosebleeds can be a sign of allergy, weak {*filter*} vessels in the
nose or high {*filter*} pressure and there are other less common causes.  

Any person suffering repeated nose bleeds MUST seek medical advice as
there may be an underlying condition which requires treatment.  All three
of the causes I have mentioned can be treated so sufferers needn't spend
the rest of their life leaking at awkward moments (as a child I suffered
repeated nosebleeds but after cauterization have had no problems)

Most nosebleeds originate from the lower part of the nasal septum in a
region called Small's Area.  The best treatment is as follows:

   1)  Sit the patient down

   2)  Get them to pinch the SOFT part of the nose thereby closing the
       nostrils and then lean forward

   3)  Advise the patient not to swallow (try it yourself and you'll
       see why 8-) - the change in pressure can disturb a clot

       You may find it useful to give the patient a bowl to spit excess
       saliva into - it certainly saves carpet cleaning bills

   4)  Continuous pressure must be maintained for TEN minutes

   5)  If bleeding persists after ten minutes reapply pressure for ten
       more minutes

   6)  If this method fails to control the bleeding get the patient to
       hospital - nosebleeds can be fatal if the patient has impaired
       clotting

   7)  If the bleeding stops advise the patient to avoid very hot
       drinks and blowing thier nose for about two hours

Remember that pinching the hard part of the nose does not apply any
pressure to the most likely origin of bleeding and that tilting the head
causes {*filter*} to go down the throat.  Swallowing a sufficient amount of
{*filter*} can cause vomiting which is no fun with a nose bleed.

I hope this helps

Richard Ward (ALS)

Chairman Oxford University First Aid Unit

Our kids have found that nosebleeds stop much more quickly if they gently blow
their noses to blow out a {*filter*} clot (sounds gross, I know).  Once the clot is
gone the bleeding ususally quickly stops.  Other parents, including a pediatric
nurse practitioner
 have had equally good success with this method.