Additionally, if you’re heart’s racing, it’ll pump blood harder and possibly worsen the bleeding.
For a leg injury, it might be tough to apply pressure while elevating the wound. To solve that problem, cover the area with a cloth or gauze and wrap it with a compression bandage or medical tape. Keeping the wound higher than your heart helps slow blood flow to the affected area.
Simply holding gauze or a cloth over a cut for 15 minutes should do the trick, especially for minor wounds. However, if you have a pretty bad cut and want stay on the safe side, you can also apply clotting powder or gel right away. If bleeding lasts longer than 30 minutes or if clotting powder or gel is ineffective, seek immediate medical attention.
Go to the emergency room or a clinic right away if you fell and hit your head, even if you’re not bleeding. A head injury could lead to bleeding in the brain. Other situations that call for medical care include coughing up or vomiting blood, blood in your urine, or bloody or black stools. If you’re a woman, monitor your period and check with your doctor if you notice excessive bleeding.
If you called emergency services, keep the wound covered and elevated until first responders arrive. They’ll render treatment and, if you need to go to the hospital, help you manage the wound on the way.
Counteracting the effects of the blood thinner will allow your body to form a clot and stop the bleeding. Newer, more advanced blood thinners work differently, and there are medications available that counteract their effects within minutes. Additionally, more antidotes will likely become available, so vitamin K may no longer be a standard treatment in the future. [9] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
If you take a blood thinner and had a head injury, your doctor may want to admit you to the hospital overnight for observation. They may also order another CT scan after 24 hours. Delayed bleeding in the brain is possible, even if the first scan was all clear.
It’s wise to wear non-skid slippers while you’re indoors. Always wear closed-toed shoes when you’re outside, and avoid wearing flip-flops. If you have mobility issues, it’s especially important to eliminate tripping hazards in your home.
Cycling is also risky, so limit or avoid riding your bike. If you do go cycling, use caution, avoid dangerous terrain, and be sure to wear a helmet and pads.
If your gums are bleeding, hold gauze to the area for 10 to 15 minutes as you would with a bleeding cut on your skin. Bleeding gums may indicate dental issues, so check with your dentist if your gums bleed regularly. Be sure to tell your dentist (and all healthcare providers you see) that you take a blood thinner.
If your nose bleeds frequently, you can also carefully apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly inside your nostrils 3 times a day.
