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Epistaxis - Management
What first aid measures should I advise for acute epistaxis?
- Advise the person to:
- Sit with their upper body tilted forward and their mouth open. They should avoid lying down, unless they are feeling faint.
- Leaning forward decreases blood flow through the nasopharynx, allows spitting out of blood, and minimizes swallowing blood that drains into the pharynx.
- Pinch the cartilaginous (soft) part of the nose firmly and hold it for 10–15 minutes without releasing the pressure, breathing through their mouth.
- A common misconception is that compression of the nasal bones will help stop bleeding.
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