What's Going Around: Tips For Treating Coughing, Nosebleeds

Every Thursday, we check in with our doctors and nurses from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health to see "What's Going Around."

Dr. Kathryn Zackery at the Sapulpa Indian Health Center says a lot of people are coughing. It could be due to post nasal drip, asthma or acid reflux disease.

The best way to control a cough is to take an antihistamine, eat smaller meals and elevate your head while you sleep.

Dr. Jim Harjo at the Koweta Indian Health Facility said the cold weather and drier air makes people prone to nosebleeds.

If you get one, he said its best to hold the fleshy part of your nose between the index finger and the thumb and lean forward, not back. Leaning back can drain blood into the sinuses or the back of the throat. He also said you need to hold your nose like that for at least for five minutes to stop the bleeding.

If you do get nose bleeds in cold, dry weather, stop using nasal steroid sprays or antihistamines, which can contribute to the problem.