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What Can Be Done About Severe Nose Bleeds In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Sat, 23 Sep 2023
Question: My 98 year old grand mother gets severe nose bleeds , she had a nasal packing in and today had it removed and it kept bleeding they repacked it again . What is the next step if is still bleeding in two days when they remove the packing
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (53 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Probably saline spray and exams to confirm the cause are the next step.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Nose bleeding can be caused by many factors. Usually, at your grandmother age it can be caused by medications used such as blood thinning medications. After two days if the hemorrhage has stopped she can use an ointment to hydrate the area and saline nasal spray to prevent further hemorrhage.

I would also suggest the following examination to evaluate the cause of the symptoms:
- A complete blood count
- Platelets blood level
- Bleeding and clotting time
- A review of the medications that she is already taking

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (25 minutes later)
Thanks for an answer she is back home was told wait and see if second balloon will help . If not they will go from there. Mind you she only went to an urgent care so far they didn't feel like the hospital was needed yet.

Also since no blood transfusion are being given what can I give her food-wise to keep her strength up I know protein. is there anything else that can help ? I also know to keep her quiet.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Suggestions about the diet and other advice that can help for relief .

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I agree with what the doctors told you. You should wait and see if the second balloon is effective.

Meanwhile, I suggest you to give her to eat:
- Meat, poultry, fish and pomegranate which contain iron
- Nuts, cereals, peas, and citrus fruits which contain Vitamin C (Vitamin C help in absorbing iron)

Other suggestions are:
- Keep her quiet and calm as you mentioned in the query
- Use a humidifier at home
- Use saline nasal sprays
- Use an ointment to keep the area of the nose moisturized
- Follow the advice that I gave above about the examinations that should be done

Hope it helps. Best wishes for you and your grandmother.

Regards,
Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 13558 Questions

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What Can Be Done About Severe Nose Bleeds In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Probably saline spray and exams to confirm the cause are the next step. Detailed Answer: Hello, Nose bleeding can be caused by many factors. Usually, at your grandmother age it can be caused by medications used such as blood thinning medications. After two days if the hemorrhage has stopped she can use an ointment to hydrate the area and saline nasal spray to prevent further hemorrhage. I would also suggest the following examination to evaluate the cause of the symptoms: - A complete blood count - Platelets blood level - Bleeding and clotting time - A review of the medications that she is already taking Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards