Angela Kerchner, MD
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Kerchner is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Des Moines, Iowa. She is the current Medical Director of Ringgold County Hospital. She received her MD from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in 2010. She is also a Diplomate on the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.
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Q&A Comments (3)
What if the pinching doesn't stop the bleeding no matter how long I do it?
First, make sure that you are putting firm pressure on both sides of your nostrils and that you hold your nose that way for at least 20 minutes without letting go. If this does not slow down the bleeding, then it is possible that the bleeding is coming from further back in the nose and pinching will not reach the vessel. Also, consider any medicine you have taken recently. For example, aspirin or other medicines that decrease your body's ability to form blood clots may also make bleeding last longer. Try using ice and medicated nasal sprays. These can help to shrink the blood vessels and slow the bleeding. See your doctor if heavy bleeding continues.
What if you faint while having a nosebleed?
Fainting during a nose bleed is common, especially if you are not used to seeing blood. However, fainting from a nose bleed is not usually dangerous. If you feel like you might faint, lie down in a safe place and if possible, raise your legs up on pillows. If you faint before you can do this, lie down after you regain consciousness and put your legs up on pillows. You can also lie on your side to prevent blood from running down your throat. If you fall and hit your head or have any serious injuries, see a doctor.
How does a doctor cauterize your nose?
If you have a vessel that continues to cause nosebleeds, your doctor may decide to cauterize the blood vessel that is causing the nosebleeds. To cauterize the vessel, your doctor will use a compound called silver nitrate to create a tiny burn on the vessel. This usually stops the nosebleeds. If the area that needs to be cauterized is large or in a very sensitive part of the nose, then your doctor will numb the area before cauterizing to decrease your discomfort.
