Nose emergency

First aid:

FOR AN OBJECT LODGED IN THE NOSE:
1. Do not probe the nose with cotton swabs or other tools. Doing so may push the object further into the nose.

2. Have the victim breathe through the mouth and avoid breathing in sharply (which may force the object in further).

3. Once it is determined which nostril is affected, gently press the other nostril closed and have the victim blow through the affected nostril.

4. Avoid blowing the nose too hard or repeatedly.

5. If this method fails, get medical help.

FOR A BROKEN NOSE
1. Reassure the victim and try to keep the victim calm.

2. Have the victim breathe through the mouth and lean forward in a sitting position in order to keep blood from going down the back of the throat.

3. Apply cold compresses to the nose to reduce swelling. If possible, the victim should hold the compress so that excessive pressure is not applied.

4. To help relieve pain, acetaminophen - oral is recommended.

FOR NOSEBLEEDS:
1. Reassure the victim and try to keep the victim calm. Have the victim breathe through the mouth.

2. Have the victim sit or stand upright (and lean forward slightly to prevent blood going down the back of the throat). This will slow the flow of blood in the veins of the nose.

3. Have the victim pinch the nose with the thumb and index finger while breathing through the mouth. Do this for 5 or 10 minutes. This should stop the flow of blood.

4. If the victim's nose is still bleeding after 15 minutes, try pinching the nose again for another 10 minutes. If the nose is still bleeding after the second try, get medical help.

Do not:

• DO NOT try to remove an object that is not visible and easy to grasp; doing so may push the object farther in or cause damage to tissue.
• DO NOT try to straighten a broken nose.
• DO NOT use tweezers or other instruments to remove an object lodged deeply in the nose.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• you cannot easily remove a foreign object from the victim's nose.
• you suspect a neck injury or serious head injury.
• you have a nosebleed that does not respond to first aid measures.