What should you know about chemical nasal cautery?

Chemical nasal cautery uses a chemical stick to seal a visible bleeding vessel inside the nose, usually after repeated nosebleeds. A clinician first identifies the likely source, numbs the lining, and touches the area briefly with the cautery material. The aim is to reduce further bleeding from that fragile spot.

Cautery is generally considered when pressure, moisturising measures, or treatment of nasal irritation have not controlled recurrent bleeding. The clinician may examine both nostrils but normally treats only the identified side. The treated lining can look grey or crusted while it heals, and mild tenderness or a small spot of blood can occur.

Chemical cautery is different from burning the whole nasal lining. It is a focused treatment for a small vessel near the front of the nose. It does not treat every possible cause of a nosebleed, such as an injury, medication effect, or bleeding disorder.

Follow the clinician’s instructions about ointment or saline moisture. Avoid picking, forceful nose blowing, strenuous exertion, and very hot drinks for the period advised, because these can disturb the healing surface. Sneeze with your mouth open rather than pinching the nose shut. If bleeding starts, sit upright, lean slightly forward, and pinch the soft part of the nose continuously while breathing through your mouth.

Arrange review if nosebleeds continue from the same area, the crust repeatedly breaks away, or pain and swelling increase. Keep a note of triggers such as dry air, allergies, or nose rubbing to discuss at the appointment.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy, does not stop after sustained pressure, makes you feel faint, or follows a significant facial injury. Get prompt assessment if blood is flowing into the throat, you are taking medicine that affects clotting, or you have unusual bleeding elsewhere. A nosebleed that keeps returning deserves evaluation even if each episode stops.

Ask which vessel is being treated, whether one side or both sides need examination, what to apply during healing, and which activities to pause. You can also ask what symptoms should trigger a review and whether medicines, allergies, or nasal dryness may be contributing.