Preventing Winter Nosebleeds

Know how to prevent them, what to do when they happen and when to worry.

© ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / GRINVALDS

Winter is peak season for nosebleeds. Thanks to the dry, cold air, it’s easier for the lining of the nose to get irritated during winter than any other season. We also get sick more often in winter, which means inflamed, raw noses after all those tissues.

To prevent a nosebleed:

• run a humidifier in his room at night to keep the air moist.

• spray nostrils with saline (saltwater) nose drops a few times a day to prevent nasal tissues from getting too dry.

• keep his nails short if he’s a nose-picker; little nails digging into a dry nose make a nosebleed far more likely.

If she gets one, here’s what to do:

• Have her sit or stand with her head tilted slightly forward (contrary to popular belief, tilting your head back is a big no-no).

• Help her carefully blow her nose.

• Pinch the soft lower half of her nose with your thumb and index finger (she can do it if she’s old enough), then hold firmly for 10 minutes.

If the bleeding doesn’t stop, repeat this procedure; but if it’s still bleeding after 20 minutes of pressure, call your doctor or go to urgent care.

 

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