How to Stop a Bloody Nose

Having a bloody nose (also known as epistaxis) can be unnerving, but in most cases, nosebleeds are easy to stop and rarely serious. While you'll want to stop a bloody nose right away, it's important to do it properly and safely.

There are misconceptions about the right way to stop a nosebleed (such as leaning backward) that can actually be dangerous.

This article explores what to do if your nose (or someone else's) starts bleeding, what to do if bleeding won't stop, and when to see a healthcare professional. It also discusses what to do if nosebleeds are recurrent.

How to Stop a Bloody Nose

Fortunately, basic first aid measures are usually all that's needed to stop a bloody nose. Here's what to do if you experience one.

Lean Forward, Not Back

One of the biggest myths in first aid is that you should lean back with a bloody nose, but the best thing to do is to lean slightly forward. The blood needs to go somewhere, and if the person leans back or lies down, it will most likely go down their throat.

Blood could get into the windpipe, causing a blocked airway. Blood may also enter the stomach and irritate its lining, possibly causing the person to vomit.

Pinch the Nose (Correctly)

Most people instinctively pinch the nose during a nosebleed, but take care to do it in the right way.

Pinch the person's nose just below the bony bridge. This is the lower third of the person's nose. Don't pinch just the nostrils closed. Your fingers should be on the bone as well as the soft tissue.

Pinching the nose properly stops or slows the blood flow to allow a clot to form and stop the bleeding. Hold the nose for 15 to 20 minutes.

Stay Upright

Always sit up straight when your nose is bleeding, and never lie on your back. As with tilting your head backward, this can cause the blood to go down your throat into your stomach and potentially cause choking or vomiting.

Keeping your head above your heart also reduces blood pressure in the veins of your nose, which discourages bleeding.

Additional Tips

Other things you can do when someone has a nosebleed include the following:

• Place ice or a chemical cold pack over the bridge of the nose. This can constrict the blood vessels and help stop bleeding. Ice isn't going to stop a bloody nose by itself, but it may help.
• Spray a nasal decongestant in the nostril where the bleeding is occurring and then proceed to pinch the nose as suggested.
• Avoid putting anything up the nose to absorb the blood, such as a tissue or a cotton ball.
• Remain calm (or keep your child calm if they are the one with a bloody nose).

After the Nosebleed Stops

Once you have stopped the bleeding, it's important to let the blood vessels constrict so the bleeding doesn't start again. If you were able to stop the initial bleeding and your nose starts bleeding again, repeat the steps again.

After a nosebleed, you should avoid blowing your nose for at least two days. If you have a history of high blood pressure, it may be worth checking your blood pressure. Try not to place tissues into your nose, avoid heavy lifting, and do not lie flat.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

When adults get nosebleeds, it could be an indicator of a more severe medical problem, especially if they are frequent. Tell your healthcare provider if you have gotten a bloody nose often, especially without physical trauma. Some causes of nosebleeds include:

• Genetic or inherited clotting disorders, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, or hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a disease involving blood vessel growths inside the nose
• Head injuries
• Benign or malignant tumors
  

If the Bleeding Won't Stop

If a nosebleed doesn't stop after the second or third try to apply pressure, it's time to go to the emergency room.

If the bleeding is rapid and the person is losing a lot of blood (more than a cup), if the blood is going down the back of the throat, if the person has vomited up blood, or if at any time they feel lightheaded, dizzy, or weak, go to the emergency room or call 911.

For nose bleeds that are difficult to manage, healthcare professionals can cauterize the bleeding blood vessel.

How to Prevent Nosebleeds

If you or your child are prone to getting bloody noses, here are ways to prevent them:

• Don't pick your nose.
• Blow your nose gently when you have a cold or allergies.
• Run a humidifier if you live in a dry climate or during the winter months.
• Moisturize the inside of your nose with a non-prescription saline nasal spray or gel, or a dab of petroleum jelly on the inside of your nostrils.
• Wear a seatbelt in the car and headgear to protect your face during contact sports to avoid facial trauma.
• Quit smoking. Smoking dries out the nasal membranes.

Summary

Nosebleeds can be scary, especially for children, but there are a lot of ways to try to manage it at home. Pinch the nostrils together, making sure to grasp the tissue of the nose up to and including where bony structures begin. Hold firmly for 15 to 20 minutes. Lean slightly forward to prevent blood from going down your throat. See a healthcare provider is bleeding continues or exceeds more than one cup, or if nosebleeds are persistent. Prevent nosebleeds by blowing your nose gently, using a humidifier in dry environments, and avoiding trauma to the face.