Nose Bleed by Dr ricardo kidron

Spontaneous bleeding from the nose (epistaxis) is sometimes pro- fuse and alarming. The bleeding is at times from small veins just inside the nostrils, and in this case firm pinching of the nose just behind the tip may help to stop the flow. It is, of course, useless to pinch the bony bridge further back.

Probably the best way to control the bleeding is to allow natural coagulation to take place and not allow this to be interfered with by swallowing movements which cause negative pressure and dis- lodge freshly formed clots. In order to achieve this end the patient should be propped up leaning forward or to one side and a large pad of cotton wool placed for the blood to trickle into from the nose. This will prevent backward flow into the throat with consequent swallowing. As a further measure a cork, or other prop, should be placed between the teeth and the patient instructed NOT to breathe through the nose and not to swallow. Blood from the nose or saliva from the mouth must be allowed to dribble on to the pad of wool. This procedure permits the clot in the nose at the bleeding point to become adherent and the bleeding will stop naturally. Should this method fail expert aid must be sought.

As adjuvants to natural control of the bleeding one or other homoeopathic remedy should be given, q.v. section on haemorrhage. Of special value in this connection is Vipera 200 one or two doses. With profuse flow of bright red blood Ferrum phosphoricum 30 may be given for a few doses till bleeding has stopped.

Frequently recurring nose-bleeds will call for expert consultation J as to the cause.