5 Signs of severe nosebleeds that require medical attention

Nosebleeds are a very common health condition. Without medical treatment, the blood that comes out of the nose usually stops on its own. However, you should be vigilant if the nosebleed doesn't stop and it gets worse. This could be a sign of a more serious health problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

When is a nosebleed severe?

Nosebleeds occur due to rupturing of the capillaries in the nasal cavity. The main causes are changes in temperature and air and the habit of inserting your fingers into your nose.

Certain medications can also reduce the flexibility of the tissues inside the nose, making it more prone to injury.

Although it is a common condition, a nosebleed can be categorized as an emergency if you experience the following situations:

1. The nosebleed lasts for more than 20 minutes

Bleeding from a nosebleed usually lasts only a few minutes.

The first aid you can do is to sit up straight, squeeze your nose for a few minutes, or compress your nose using ice wrapped in a towel.

A nosebleed is said to be severe if it lasts more than 20 minutes. This condition may occur if you are taking blood thinners.

However, if you don't use it, prolonged nosebleeds can be a sign of a blood clotting disorder.

2. You lose a lot of blood

On average, the amount of blood that comes out during a nosebleed is no more than 1.5 teaspoons. The blood around the injured blood vessel then clots, causing the flow to stop.

This is a natural thing that will have no impact on health.

Beware if the nosebleed is so bad that you have to use up sheets of tissue in just 5 minutes.

To find out if you have really lost a lot of blood, use a small container to collect the blood that dripped during the nosebleed.

Do not hesitate to consult a doctor immediately regarding this condition.

3. Nosebleeds occur as a result of serious injury

Apart from natural causes, bleeding from the nose can also occur as a result of injury or severe impact.

Nosebleeds that result from an injury can even cause swelling of the nose, making it difficult for you to breathe.

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience this. The earliest possible examination will help detect fractures in the nose, concussions, and injuries to other parts of the body that are not recognized.

4. Nosebleeds occur abnormally in children

Children have more capillaries than adults. As a result, they are more prone to experience nosebleeds.

The bleeding will stop on its own after 15-20 minutes, but don't ignore this condition if your child also has the following signs:

• Nosebleeds are common
• Severe nosebleeds are caused by the child putting something up his nose
• The child has bleeding in other parts of the body, such as the gums
• Children bleed easily even if they only have minor injuries
• The child has bruises only from a light impact
• Nosebleeds occur when the child takes certain drugs

5. You taste the blood on the tongue

Most cases of nosebleeds occur due to the rupture of a blood vessel at the front of the nasal cavity.

You will not feel any blood in your mouth because the blood will immediately flow out of the nasal cavity into the nostrils.

If you can feel blood on your tongue or mouth, this could be a symptom of posterior bleeding.

This bleeding occurs at the back of the nose and is more difficult to stop. The nosebleed is usually more severe and requires medical attention.

When you or your child has a nosebleed, the key is not to panic. However, keep an eye on and be aware of the signs that appear when bleeding occurs because a severe nosebleed is an emergency condition that needs to be treated immediately.

Also keep an eye out for signs that appear in children and understand what triggers nosebleeds. The reason is, even a nosebleed that looks normal can be caused by a serious injury that has an impact on health.