h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

EF: Nose Bleeds A412606

Please would you substitute the following for the currect Medical Treatment section:


Medical Treatment

If the site of bleeding is visible, the bleed may be controlled by cauterising the offending blood vessel with a silver nitrate stick, having first applied a plug of dressing soaked in local anaestheticA drug that causes localised numbness, thus preventing the sensation of pain from a small area. and a vasoconstrictantA drug that causes blood vessels to contract, thus reducing blood flow within the vessels. for a few moments. This can also be done after the bleed has stopped if it is felt that the point may re-bleed. Nasal tampons existNote that these are nasal tampons - don't get any funny ideas. for packing the nose should the bleed continue, and are used to effectively apply pressure to the bleeding point. Specially-designed balloons can also be inserted and inflated inside the nose, with different varieties being used depending on whether the site of the bleed is at the front or the back of the nose.

Patients with moderate to severe bleeds are admitted to hospital for observation for at least 12 hours, with nasal packs usually staying in for 24-48 hours. Intravenous fluids or blood may be needed depending on the amount of blood lost. If bleeding persists despite medical treatment, surgery may be required to electrically cauterise the source or tie off the artery supplying the bleed.



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