How do I stop a simple nosebleed?
by Thomas S. Higgins, Jr., MD, MSPH
Nosebleeds (also called epistaxis) can have many causes and can range in severity. Most nose bleeds are located in the front part of the septum, where they typically can be stopped with digital pressure. The most common causes of simple nosebleeds are dry air (often more frequent in the Winter) and trauma (from picking or scratching the nose). Unfortunately, many people have been told to look up and squeeze the bones of the nose to stop a nosebleed. This method is fairly ineffective as it allows blood to drain into the back of the throat and does not apply pressure to the source of most nosebleeds.
The following steps are helpful for most simple nosebleeds:
1. Try to relax. Anxiety raises your blood pressure and can cause the bleeding to worsen or fail to resolve.
2. Sit up to keep your head above your heart.
3. Lean slightly forward (not backward) so the blood won’t drain in the back of the throat.
4. If available, you may want to apply a nasal decongestant spray, which shrinks blood vessels and helps stop bleeding.
5. Pinch the soft portions of the nose (i.e., nostrils), NOT the nasal bones. You want to apply pressure to the site of the nosebleed.
6. You may consider placing an icepack on the back of your neck.
7. Hold pressure for at least 5 minutes and up to 30 minutes. Seek medical attention if the nosebleed continues after 30 minutes of pressure, or continues or worsens despite holding pressure.
The following steps are helpful for most simple nosebleeds:
1. Try to relax. Anxiety raises your blood pressure and can cause the bleeding to worsen or fail to resolve.
2. Sit up to keep your head above your heart.
3. Lean slightly forward (not backward) so the blood won’t drain in the back of the throat.
4. If available, you may want to apply a nasal decongestant spray, which shrinks blood vessels and helps stop bleeding.
5. Pinch the soft portions of the nose (i.e., nostrils), NOT the nasal bones. You want to apply pressure to the site of the nosebleed.
6. You may consider placing an icepack on the back of your neck.
7. Hold pressure for at least 5 minutes and up to 30 minutes. Seek medical attention if the nosebleed continues after 30 minutes of pressure, or continues or worsens despite holding pressure.