Nosebleed Treatment

The Ear, Nose and Throat Associates of SE Connecticut are experts in chronic nosebleed care. They are the premier providers for nosebleed treatment in Waterford, CT. With two offices (Waterford and Mystic) they have the manpower to treat a variety of ear, nose, and throat conditions. Put an end to frequent nosebleeds and make an appointment now!

Nosebleeds are most common in children ages 2-10 and adults ages 50-80. Dry air in the winter months can contribute to an increased amount of nosebleeds, but sometimes there are other causes. They occur in either the anterior or posterior of the nose, and most are quickly treated at home or by a doctor. While nosebleeds can be scary and make a mess, they are not usually a serious medical emergency.

• Dry Air in Winter Months
• Trauma to the Nose
• High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
• Blood Thinning Medications
• Weak or Thin Arteries in the Nose
• Blood Clotting Issue (uncommon)

90% of nosebleeds stem from the anterior of the nose and are quickly treated with simple measures. Less common, posterior nose bleeds are caused by bleeding in an artery in the back of the nose. These occur often in elderly people, and may require hospitalization to stop bleeding. This type of nosebleed is often treated by an experienced ENT.

Nasal Packing

For cases that do not respond to cauterization, nasal packing may be used. Anterior bleeds are simply packed, but posterior bleeds can be more difficult to maneuver. The doctor will administer anesthesia or numbing agents for the procedure, as well as preventative antibiotics. To reduce bleeding, vasoconstrictive medication is given. Packing materials can include petroleum jelly gauze filled with antibiotic ointment, sponges, and various materials for absorption. Even though the packing can be uncomfortable, it should always be removed by a physician.

Cauterization

Cauterization is a procedure that forces blood to coagulate at the bleeding site. It is typically done by an electrocautery instrument (severe cases) or silver nitrate. Severe cases may require anesthesia for cauterization.

Surgical Procedures

If cautery and packing fail to relieve chronic nosebleeds, surgery may be necessary to get to the root of the problem. The anatomy of a patient’s nose can contribute to frequent nosebleeds. Under general anesthesia the patient is examined, and if a deviated septum is determined to be an issue, it will be corrected. If necessary, arterial litigation (constricting problematic blood vessels), spur removal, and re-packing can be performed. Sometimes a procedure called embolotherapy is used, in which a substance is inserted into a blood vessel prevent bleeding by closing it.

Let us help you get your nosebleeds under control. With offices in Waterford and Mystic Connecticut, we are available to help immediately. If you are in Southeast Connecticut and suffer from chronic nosebleeds similar to these, please contact us today at (860) 442-0407.