Category: Health & Safety

⚡ What to Do for a Nosebleed

Most nosebleeds are not dangerous and can be controlled with firm, continuous pressure. They may be caused by dry air, nose picking, allergies, irritation, injury, medication, or blowing the nose forcefully.

The most important steps are to sit upright, lean forward, and pinch the soft part of the nose without repeatedly checking.

How to Stop a Nosebleed

Sit upright.
Lean slightly forward.
Breathe through the mouth.
Pinch the soft part of the nose just below the bony bridge.
Hold firm, continuous pressure for 10 to 15 minutes.
Use a clock or timer.
Spit out any blood that enters the mouth.
Release the nose after the full time has passed.
Repeat once if bleeding continues.

Pinch both sides of the nose together, even if blood appears to come from only one nostril.

Do not release pressure early to check whether the bleeding has stopped.

Lean Forward, Not Backward

Leaning forward allows blood to drain out of the nose instead of down the throat.

Swallowed blood can cause:

Nausea
Vomiting
Coughing
Choking
Difficulty judging how much blood has been lost

Do not tilt the head backward or lie flat.

Use a Cold Pack if Helpful

A cold pack wrapped in cloth may be placed across the bridge of the nose or cheeks for comfort.

Do not:

Place ice directly on the skin.
Allow the cold pack to replace direct pressure.
Insert ice into the nostril.

Direct pressure is the main treatment.

Do Not Pack the Nose With Household Materials

Do not insert:

Tissues
Toilet paper
Cotton balls
Paper towels
Cloth
Other household material

into the nostril.

These materials may stick to the clot and restart bleeding when removed.

Use a commercial nosebleed product only according to its instructions or professional guidance.

Call 911 If

Bleeding is extremely heavy.
The person has difficulty breathing.
The person becomes pale, confused, weak, or unconscious.
Blood is pouring into the throat.
The bleeding followed a serious head or facial injury.
The nose appears severely deformed.
A large amount of blood has been lost.
The person shows signs of shock.
The bleeding occurred with another life-threatening injury.

If the person becomes unconscious and is not breathing normally, begin CPR and use an AED when available.

Seek Prompt Medical Care If

Bleeding continues after approximately 20 minutes of correct pressure.
Nosebleeds happen frequently.
The person takes a blood thinner.
The person has a bleeding disorder.
The person recently had nasal surgery.
An object may be inside the nose.
Bleeding began after a moderate injury.
The person has very high blood pressure or another significant condition.
The person feels dizzy or weak.
The person is a young child or medically vulnerable adult.
You are concerned about the amount of blood lost.

Do not stop prescribed blood-thinning medication unless the prescribing healthcare professional directs you to do so.

If the Nosebleed Followed an Injury

After a minor bump, use the standard pressure method if:

The person is alert.
The nose is not visibly deformed.
Bleeding is not severe.
No serious head-injury signs are present.

Seek emergency care after an injury if the person has:

Loss of consciousness
Repeated vomiting
Severe headache
Confusion
Vision changes
Clear fluid draining from the nose
Neck pain
Severe facial swelling
An obvious deformity
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Bleeding that cannot be controlled

Do not attempt to straighten a possibly broken nose.

After the Bleeding Stops

For the next several hours:

Do not blow or pick the nose.
Avoid bending over.
Avoid heavy lifting.
Avoid strenuous exercise.
Avoid hot showers or very hot drinks if they seem to restart bleeding.
Sneeze with the mouth open.
Keep the head elevated.
Avoid rubbing the nose.

If bleeding restarts, repeat firm pressure for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Preventing Future Nosebleeds

If dry air or irritation contributes:

Use a cool-mist humidifier.
Use saline nasal spray as directed.
Ask a healthcare professional about a small amount of nasal moisturizing gel.
Keep fingernails trimmed.
Avoid picking the nose.
Blow the nose gently.
Treat allergies according to professional guidance.
Avoid putting objects inside the nose.
Use protective equipment during sports.

Keep humidifiers clean to prevent mold and germ growth.

Do not place petroleum-based products deep inside the nose unless a healthcare professional recommends them.

Nosebleeds in Children

Help the child:

Sit upright.
Lean forward.
Stay calm.
Breathe through the mouth.
Hold pressure for the full 10 to 15 minutes.

Do not tilt the child’s head backward or pack the nose with tissues.

Seek medical care if:

An object may be inside the nose.
Bleeding is frequent.
Bruising or bleeding occurs elsewhere.
The child appears pale, weak, or ill.
Correct pressure does not stop the bleeding.
A serious injury occurred.

Quick Nosebleed Checklist

Sit upright.
Lean forward.
Pinch the soft part of the nose.
Hold continuous pressure for 10 to 15 minutes.
Breathe through the mouth.
Spit out blood that enters the mouth.
Do not tilt the head backward.
Do not repeatedly check the bleeding.
Do not pack the nose with tissues.
Call 911 for severe bleeding or serious injury.
Seek care if bleeding continues after about 20 minutes.

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Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.