Fao Sqad...nosebleeds

[pastafreak]

Hi Sqad....my older brother(78 this year) has been having problems. He had his nose cauterised less than a week ago,but had another bleed yesterday. His doctor has given him something called Afrin- a decongestant- that he needs to soak cotton balls in,and apply until the bleeding stops. He's due to see an ENT man on Tuesday... what is the likely next move? I should also mention that he has a deviated septum...if that's relevant.

[Sqad]

pasta

///.my older brother(78 this year) ///

That is the clue.The cause is almost certainly an arteriosclerotic blood vessel that when bleeds, cannot retract and stop itself from bleeding. These vessels are difficult to cauterise as most are well back in the nose, but do eventually stop, I am glad to say. Many continue to bleed and may need hospitalisation and some transfusion.That is being pessimistic, as the majority, "just settle."
These are often associated with high BP which has to be dealt with at the same time and there are some much rarer causes of nose bleeds in this age group.
The deviated nasal septum may be a contributing factor as your brother may be blowing the blocked side more forcibly hemce traumatising it.

Should be no problem.

[pastafreak]

Thanks Sqad. I believe the doctor did say age was a contributing factor. Also,both our father and elder sister had similar problems that required cauterisation. I went through a phase many years ago,making me a cautious nose-blower when I have a cold. ;-)

[pastafreak]

Sqad...what on earth were you doing up at 2:30(3:30) am...that's not typical of you.

[Sqad]

\\\\Sqad...what on earth were you doing up at 2:30(3:30) am...that's not typical of you.\\\\

LOL.......well......I take medication for a "few problems" and one combination makes me drowsy, so, I take them in the middle of the night.
At the same time having a quick look on AB.