Nosebleeds (Epistaxis) | Nasal Hygeine

NASAL HYGEINE

Simple measures are usually successful in keeping the mucous membranes of the nose healthy.  These will help prevent nasal blockage, crusting, or bleeding.  They will also help achieve drainage with viral or bacterial infections of the nose or sinuses. Not everyone requires all of these, nor all the time.  In general the bad times for most people with nasal disorders are:

• Allergy seasons (spring and fall)
• Winter (or whenever it is very dry, including dry heat)
• Following a nosebleed
• Following nasal or sinus surgery
• During and after any kind of nasal or sinus infection

Nasal Hygiene Measures

• Avoid heavy nose blowing, picking, or scratching
• Avoid strenuous activities (nosebleed or surgery patients only)
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep the membranes moist and healthy
• Moisten the nose with mild saltwater spray frequently (every 1-2 hours or more is fine).  1/2 teaspoons table salt in 8 oz.  tap water is the correct mixture.  It should taste like tears, not like the ocean.  Spray your nose at least 6-8 times daily.  You basically cannot overdo this.
• Small amount of Vaseline ointment or other antibiotic ointment in each nostril once or twice daily, especially at bedtime. 
• Environmental humidification: A cool mist, ultrasonic, or hot steam vaporizer in the bedroom is good.  If you have a gas forced air furnace, a humidifier installed directly on the furnace will treat the whole house and is a good idea.  If water is puddling on the window sills, you are doing too much.  A pot of water on a wood stove is usually NOT sufficient.
• Avoid irritants, especially cigarette smoke.
• Get specific therapy for allergies (look for sneezing, watery, itchy eyes, runny nose), or sinusitis (yellow or green nasal drainage, facial pain, nasal stuffiness).
• Following sinus surgery, twice daily flushes of each side of the nose using 4 ounces of gentle saltwater and some sort of a squeeze bulb/bottle  will help mobilize old blood and dried mucus, promote early healing and prevent abnormal scar tissue formation.  Flushing may also be used during bad exposures to reduce the pollen/dust load in the nose.