Large amounts of blood may be swallowed and broken down into ammonia by bacteria in the intestine. Ammonia can be absorbed into the bloodstream and can make a person sick or become comatose, so enemas and cathartics are given to remove the blood from the intestine as soon as possible. In addition, an antibiotic such as neomycin is given to prevent the breakdown of blood into ammonia. If a large amount of blood is lost, a blood transfusion may be given. This area becomes infected frequently.
Nosebleeds occur as the crusts detach.
Bacitracin ointment can usually cure these infections. A person usually takes an antibiotic and applies moist hot cloths three times a day for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Boils in this area are allowed to drain on their own because if they are cut open, the infection could spread to the veins, enabling the bacteria to travel to the brain. The spread of bacteria to the brain can cause a life-threatening condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis. The nose is the most commonly infected part of the upper airways.