Although nosebleeds are harmless and usually stop bleeding on their own, some patients suffer from severe nosebleeds and require treatment from a doctor who specializes in conditions of the ears, nose, and throat. Aurora ENT provide treatment for frequent or difficult-to-treat nosebleeds for patients in the Anchorage, Alaska area.
Nosebleeds that occur following a head injury, that won’t stop after 20 minutes, or that may be accompanied by a broken nose require evaluation and treatment from a qualified medical provider. Additionally, patients who experience frequent unexplained nosebleeds should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Finally, patients who are experiencing nosebleeds in conjunction with other symptoms should seek prompt medical attention.
The inside of the nose is lined with thin, fragile skin with many small blood vessels near the surface. This rich blood supply can result in voluminous nosebleeds if the skin is broken or compromised.
Nosebleeds can result from a number of causes, including:
In general, nosebleeds can be treated and stopped at home. In some cases, medical intervention is necessary. Most nosebleeds can be treated by primary care, family practice, or emergency room doctors. When nosebleeds are frequent, dangerous, or unexplained, the patient may be referred to an ENT, who has specialized training and extensive experiences in these kinds of cases.
Patients can attempt to stop a nosebleed by:
Patients should try to avoid swallowing blood as it can result in upset stomach and vomiting.
When nosebleeds can’t be stopped using traditional, non-invasive methods, a doctor can stop the bleeding by cauterizing the vessels in the nose. When patients experience frequent, unexplained nosebleeds, ruling out or identifying underlying medical conditions that may contribute is a critical component of comprehensive care.
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