What may have caused nose bleeds

1.      Blow/trauma to the nose for example during a fight, or a fall

2.      Picking the nose, blowing of the nose

3.      Input of foreign body into the nose e.g., fingernail, finger, stick

4.      Nose infection, in this instance there is running nose and the nose may be blocked

5.      High blood pressure

6.      Nasal sprays

7.      Inhaling cocaine through the nose

8.      Medications like aspirin, warfarin, ibuprofen etc. These medications may make the blood thin or may make the nose bleed easily.

What you can do if you have got nose bleeds

1.      Sit up and bend your head forward

2.      Open your mouth to breathe and pinch your nose together for 10-15 minutes

3.      Put ice pack on the bridge of your nose, ensure the ice pack is wrapped in a napkin or towel so as not to burn your skin

4.      If the bleeding continues, you can rub bland unscented Vaseline on cotton wool, put the soaked cotton wool in your nose and pinch the nose again for 10-15 minutes

5.      Remove the cotton wool gently after 2 hours, remember to breathe with your mouth when you have pinched your nose

Please visit your doctor as soon as possible

To avoid nose bleeds:

a.      Check your blood pressure, get treatment if it is high

b.      Avoid picking your nose

c.       Check your drugs, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications

d.      If you must blow your nose, do it with your mouth open

e.      Regular intake of fruits helps reduce recurrence.