Is It Normal To Have Bleeding In Nose While Taking Abx Therapy Post Ruptured Brain Anuerysm Operation?

Posted on Wed, 27 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 27 Nov 2013 Answered on

Thu, 26 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 16 days post op of a ruptured brain anuerysm which was colied 95%. I am also 29 weeks pregnant. I am at home now and am on 24 hr IV abx therapy thru a picc line. I have had 3 bloody noses today. Could this be from the daily flushing with Heparin in the duble lumen or should I be more concerned?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Heparin flushing is unlikely the reason... Detailed Answer: Hi, Heparin flushing doesn't alter your coagulation parameters to significant amount. Therefore I don't think the flushing IV line would be the cause of bloody nose. Epistaxis (bleeding from nose) is more a result of trauma (nose picking) or elevated blood pressure. I would be concerned if the epistaxis is persisting. You will need nasal packing immediately if bleeding is persisting. If the bleeding has stopped, do not blow your nose. Do not panic. Use running water to clean the areas. Do not try to pick the blood clots. Call your doctor and discuss if any of your medicine is causing this bleed. Also check your blood pressure. With this information, we should be able to figure out the next steps of management. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar