Other Options
If nasal first aid is ineffective there are two options:
- When you are able to clearly visualise the bleeding point:
- Clear blood using suction
- Soak a cotton wool with a combination of topical vasoconstrictor (adrenaline) and local anaesthetics (lidocaine)
- Identify any active bleeding points and attempt to cauterise sites with silver nitrate sticks
- CAUTION: DO NOT cauterise both nostrils at the same visit - risk of septal perforation
Option 2 (Nasal packing):
- If no bleeding points can be identified or if bleeding is bilateral:
- Insert an anterior nasal packing
- There are 2 types:
