Nosebleeds are a common problem. Sometimes minor problems in the nose become major nosebleeds when patients are taking blood thinners such as aspirin (including baby aspirin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (most common forms: ibuprofen, naproxen), Coumadin, Eliquis, Plavix, and many other medications. Sometimes, nosebleeds can be treated by adjusting your medications or using lubricants (Ayr gel or Vaseline) in the nose. At other times, we will need to cauterize your nose. Frequently, emergency rooms, urgent care clinics and some Ear Nose and Throat doctors will pack your nose.
At Siegel and Bosworth Ear Nose and Throat Center, we rarely find that nasal packing is necessary. Nasal packing is very uncomfortable and we have other methods of controlling the bleeding that are available in our office. We frequently use nasal endoscopy to locate the bleeding site and to ensure that there are no tumors or lesions in the nose. Once the bleeding site is identified, we use suction electrocautery (the same equipment we use in the operating room) to control the bleeding. This allows us to stop the bleeding quickly while avoiding nasal packing or a surgical setting.
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