Nosebleeds - Care And Prevention
Most nosebleeds are mere nuisances- but some are quite frightening, and a few are even life threatening. Physicians classify nosebleeds into two different types.

Anterior Nosebleed:
The nosebleed that comes from the front part of the nose and begins with a flow of blood out one or the other nostril if the patient is sitting up or standing.

Posterior Nosebleed:
The nosebleed that comes from deep in the nose and flows down the back of the mouth and throat even if the patient is sitting up or standing.
Obviously, if the patient is lying down, even the anterior nosebleeds seem to flow in both directions, especially if the patient is coughing or blowing his nose. Nevertheless, it is important to try to make the distinction since posterior nosebleeds are often more severe and almost always require the physician’s care. Posterior nosebleeds are more likely to occur in older people, persons with high blood pressure, and in cases of injury to the nose or face.
Nosebleeds in children are almost always of the anterior type. Anterior nosebleeds are common in dry climates or during the winter months when the dry air parches the nasal membranes so that they crust, crack, and bleed. This can be prevented by placing a bit of antibiotic ointment about the size of a pea on the end of your fingertip, then rubbing it up inside the nose, especially on the middle portion (the septum).
Many physicians suggest any of the following lubricating creams or ointments, which can be purchased without a prescription: A and D ointment, Bacitracin or Neosporin ointments. These may be applied up to three applications a day, but usually every night at bed-time is enough. If the nosebleeds persist, you should see your doctor, who may recommend cautery to the blood vessel that is causing the trouble.

To Stop An Anterior Nosebleed
If you or your child has an anterior nosebleed, you may be able to care for it yourself using the following steps:

1. Pinch all the parts of the nose together between your thumb and two fingers.

2. Press firmly toward the face-compressing the pinched
    parts of the nose against the bones of the face,

3. Hold for 5 minutes (timed by clock).

4. Keep head higher than the level of the heart. Sit or lie
    with head elevated.

5. Apply ice (crushed in a plastic bag or washcloth) to nose
    and cheeks.

                    6. Gargle with ice-water until the returns are clear
                        (no more than 5 minutes)

To Prevent Re-bleeding After Bleeding Has Stopped

1. Do not pick or blow nose.

2. Do not strain or bend down to lift anything heavy.

3. Keep head higher than the level of the heart.

                    4. Do not eat or drink anything warmer than room temperature for
                        12 hours.

If Re-bleeding Occurs