How do I stop a nose bleed?

How to Stop a Nose Bleed

To stop a nosebleed, sit with your head slightly forward and pinch the soft lower part of your nose continuously for 10-15 minutes. 1

First-Line Management

• Sit upright with your head tilted slightly forward to prevent blood from flowing into the airway or stomach 1
• Pinch the soft lower third (fleshy part) of the nose firmly and continuously for 10-15 minutes without checking if bleeding has stopped 1
• Breathe through your mouth and spit out any blood rather than swallowing it 1, 2
• Leaning forward prevents blood from entering the airway (which can cause breathing problems) or the stomach (which can cause vomiting) 1

If Bleeding Persists After Initial Compression

• Clear any blood clots from the nose by gently blowing once 1
• Apply a vasoconstrictor spray such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) or phenylephrine - 2 sprays in the bleeding nostril 1
• Continue to hold pressure on the soft part of the nose for another 5 minutes 1
• This approach resolves bleeding in many cases treated in emergency settings 3

Prevention of Recurrent Nosebleeds

• Apply moisturizing agents such as petroleum jelly or saline gel to the nasal mucosa once bleeding has stopped 1
• Use saline nasal sprays regularly to keep the nasal passages moist 1, 2
• Consider using a humidifier, especially in dry environments 1, 4
• Avoid digital trauma (nose picking) and vigorous nose blowing 1

When to Seek Medical Attention

• If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of continuous pressure 1
• If you become lightheaded or dizzy from blood loss 1
• If the nosebleed is due to trauma and you experience signs of brain injury, obvious nasal deformity, or signs of facial fracture 1
• If you are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (blood thinners), unless bleeding has stopped 1

Special Considerations

• For patients taking blood thinners: Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your healthcare provider, but seek prompt evaluation if bleeding is severe 1
• The effectiveness of applying ice (cryotherapy) to manage nosebleeds is unknown and not supported by strong evidence 1
• Nasal pressure alone is sufficient to stop bleeding in the vast majority of cases, including 20% of cases managed in emergency departments 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Insufficient compression time - many people check too early if bleeding has stopped 1, 5
• Tilting the head backward, which can cause blood to flow down the throat 2, 5
• Not addressing underlying nasal dryness, which can lead to recurrent episodes 1, 4
• Applying pressure to the wrong area (bony bridge) instead of the soft lower part of the nose 5

Remember that most nosebleeds are self-limiting and can be managed effectively with proper compression technique. If you experience recurrent or severe nosebleeds, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation 1.