IT SEEMS to be common knowledge that the proper way to stop a nosebleed is to look up while pinching the bridge of your nose. Is this true?
Verdict:
FALSE
Looking up or lying down while having a nosebleed will only cause the bleeding to go back down your throat and potentially into your lungs or stomach.
Both situations would be far from ideal as they might cause other more serious problems.
According to the Health Ministry, the proper way to deal with a nosebleed is to sit down and lean forward with your head tilted forward.
You should then pinch your nose just above your nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes and breathe through your mouth.
This will allow the bleeding to exit via your nose rather than flowing back down your throat.
You could also try holding an icepack on the top of your nose to help reduce the blood flow.
Nosebleeds are a common problem that is mostly benign but you should seek medical advice if:
- The bleeding lasts longer that 10 to 15 minutes;
- The bleeding seems excessive;
- You are swallowing a lot of blood that is making you vomit;
- The bleeding started after a blow to your head;
- You are feeling dizzy or weak; or
- You are having difficulty breathing
References:
1. http://www.myhealth.gov.my/hidung-berdarah/
