If you’re taking blood thinners, handling a nosebleed can be tricky. It’s important to learn how to stop a nosebleed when you’re on these medications, like Eliquis. Let’s explore why nosebleeds happen, how they’re usually treated, and what to do if you’re on blood thinners.
What causes nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, happen when tiny blood vessels in the nose break and bleed. This can occur for different reasons:
- Nose Trauma: Getting hit in the nose, like from a fall or a bump, can cause these vessels to break, leading to a nosebleed.
- Dry Air: Being in places with dry air, especially during the winter or in dry areas, can dry out the nose, making the blood vessels more likely to break and bleed.
- Nose Picking: Picking your nose too much or too hard can harm these delicate blood vessels, causing them to bleed.
- Foreign Objects: Putting things in your nose, accidentally or on purpose, can damage the blood vessels and cause bleeding.
- Sinus Infections: Infections in your sinuses can make your nose swollen and irritated, leading to nosebleeds.
- Altitude Changes: When you go up or down quickly, like when flying in a plane or going up a mountain, the pressure changes in your nose, which might make the blood vessels break and bleed.
Most nosebleeds aren’t serious and go away on their own with some home care, but they can be trickier for people who take blood thinners.
How is it usually treated?
Sometimes, you can stop nosebleeds at home using simple tricks. Here are some:
- Pinch your nose. Pressing gently on the soft part of your nose can help stop the bleeding by squeezing the blood vessels.
- Lean forward: Tilting your head a bit forward can prevent blood from going down your throat, which can be yucky or even dangerous if you swallow it.
- Put ice on it. Holding something cold, like an ice pack, on the bridge of your nose can shrink the blood vessels and stop the bleeding.
- Use saline spray: Spraying salt water into your nose can make it less dry and help heal any irritated or dry spots inside.
But if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15-20 minutes or if you keep getting nosebleeds, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. They can check if there’s a bigger problem causing the nosebleeds and help you find the right treatment.
What if you’re on blood thinners?
Taking blood thinners like Eliquis can make dealing with nosebleeds a bit trickier. Although these medications don’t directly cause nosebleeds, they can make them worse. Here’s how:
- Slower clotting: Blood thinners slow down the body’s ability to make clots, making it harder to stop nosebleeds. Even a tiny nosebleed can last longer than usual.
- Higher risk: Because blood thinners stop clots from forming, there’s a bigger chance of bleeding too much or for too long, especially with nosebleeds.
So, while blood thinners are great for preventing serious issues like strokes, they can make nosebleeds a bit more of a hassle.
How will you treat nosebleeds if you’re on Eliquis?
If you’re on Eliquis and you get a nosebleed, quick action is key. Here’s what to do:
- Stay calm. Nosebleeds can be scary, but staying calm helps you think clearly.
- Sit up straight. Lean forward a bit. This stops blood from going down your throat, which can make you feel sick.
- Pinch your nose: Use your thumb and index finger to pinch the soft part of your nose, just below the bridge. Keep squeezing for at least 15 minutes. This puts pressure on the blood vessels, which helps stop the bleeding.
- Don’t swallow blood. Try not to swallow any blood. Spit it out if you need to.
- Get help if needed. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes of pinching, or if it’s really bad, see a doctor right away. They might need to do more to stop the bleeding.
- Consider nose packing: Your doctor might suggest putting special gauze or a sponge in your nose to help stop the bleeding.
Should you see a doctor immediately?
When dealing with a nosebleed while on blood thinners, deciding whether to see a doctor is important. Here are some things to consider:
- How long it’s been bleeding: If the nosebleed keeps going for more than 15-20 minutes, even after trying home remedies, it’s best to get medical help. This could mean there’s something more serious going on.
- How often it happens: If you have nosebleeds a lot, especially while on blood thinners, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. It might mean there’s an issue that needs attention.
- How bad the bleeding is: If the bleeding is really heavy, fast, or comes with big blood clots, it could be a sign of something serious. In that case, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
- Other symptoms you have: Pay attention to any other symptoms you might have, like feeling dizzy, passing out, having a fast heartbeat, chest pain, or trouble breathing. This could mean there’s a bigger problem that needs urgent care.
If you’ve had bleeding problems before, or if you’re taking other medications that make bleeding more likely, it’s better to be safe and see a doctor sooner rather than later.
In short, while many nosebleeds can be handled at home, it’s smart to keep an eye on things, especially when you’re on blood thinners. If you’re not sure how serious the nosebleed is, or if you’re worried about it, it’s best to get help from a doctor. They can check things out, give you the right treatment, and make sure you’re okay. Acting fast can help you avoid bigger problems and manage your condition better.
Learn how to treat nosebleeds even when on blood thinners
Dealing with nosebleeds can be harder when you’re on blood thinners, but there are ways to help. The tips provided here will greatly help you in dealing with nosebleeds. Remember, even if you’re taking blood thinners like Eliquis, you can still treat nosebleeds. Knowing what causes them and how to respond can help you avoid problems and get help quickly when you need it. If you’re not sure what to do about a nosebleed while on blood thinners, it’s best to ask a doctor for help.