Background: The possible benefit of ice collars for treatment of nosebleed is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate changes of nasal blood volume before and after application of ice collars to the neck. Nasal blood volume was investigated using optical rhinometry.
Methods: A total of 15 young, healthy volunteers participated. After ice collars were placed on the neck area of the subjects, changes in the blood volume of the nose were measured by means of optical rhinometry for the whole nose, but also regionally at the nasal septum (Kiesselbach's area). After baseline measurements over 1 minute, the ice collar was applied. Optical rhinometric measurements were performed continuously.
Results: Although the ice collar showed no effect on the blood volume of the whole nose, there was a significant decrease in blood volume (p < 0.01) at the septum.
Conclusion: Application of ice collars to the neck area of the subjects is followed by a decrease in blood volume of Kiesselbach's area, which may provide the basis for the clinical observation that ice collars are helpful in the treatment of nosebleeds.