The Advice Doctor

Dear Advice Doctor, My niece paid over $1,500 for a single Taylor Swift ticket, and when she got to the arena the seat was so far away it made the nosebleed section look like front row seats. Is that even legal?

— Not So Swift After All

Dear Not So Swift,

Thank you for submitting this question, and I hope the answer will be beneficial to many people since, let’s face it, many of us have had the experience you describe. I had a nosebleed myself a few months ago.

There are a number of factors that can cause a nosebleed (in medical terms, an epistaxis - ep-ih-STACK-sis), but most of them are nothing to worry about from a medical standpoint (even though nosebleeds are always annoying and inconvenient). An epistaxis can be brought on by things as simple as scratching an itchy nose or blowing the nose a little too vigorously, especially when the air is extremely dry in wintertime. Aside from such mechanical or physical triggers, medical contributors can include high blood pressure, hemophilia, or the regular use of aspirin or blood thinners.

For treatment of a simple nosebleed, doctors suggest sitting up straight, leaning forward a little, and applying direct pressure, just as you would to stop acute bleeding anywhere else in the body.

Of course, there is the minor detail of breathing to consider, so breathe through the mouth while pinching the nose closed for at least 10 minutes, and even better 15. If bleeding continues after that, repeat for another 15 minutes; don’t stop the pressure for any reason. That should do the trick, but if it does not it’s probably time to go to the ER or an urgent care clinic.

Once a nosebleed is stopped, don’t do any heavy-duty lifting, nose picking, or nose blowing for 24 hours, and do your best to keep your head (and the nose on it) above the level of your heart.

Most of us probably have nosebleeds very rarely; maybe you can’t even remember your last one. For others, however, they are regular events. If that is the case for you (or your niece), check in with your doctor. He or she can offer solutions.

Thanks again for writing. I hope I answered your question. Do you have a question for The Advice Doctor about life, love, personal relationships, career, raising children, or any other important topic? Send it to News@AugustaRx.com. Replies will be provided only in the Examiner.