What happens if your nose bleeds too much?
If your nosebleed does not stop after 15-20 minutes of continuous pressure, or if it is very heavy or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Signs of a severe nosebleed include:- Bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes
- Heavy or continuous bleeding
- Bleeding that is accompanied by severe pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling faint or fainting
- Vomiting or nausea
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
In cases of severe nosebleed, medical attention is necessary to stop the bleeding and to identify and treat the underlying cause. Treatment may include:
- Nasal packing: This involves packing the nose with materials (such as gauze or nasal tampons) to absorb blood and promote clot formation.
- Cautery: This involves using an electrical device to seal the bleeding blood vessels in the nose.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a structural abnormality or to remove a foreign object that is causing the bleeding.
- Medications: Medications may be prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation in the nose and to help stop the bleeding.