How to Stop a Bloody Nose

Nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, are common. There is never a convenient time to get a bloody nose. Bloody noses are messy, make us stop what we are doing and, frankly, can be a little scary. Typical causes of nosebleeds include dry climate, heated indoor air during winter months, steroid nasal sprays, or direct injury to the nose. The fact that a nosebleed can happen to anyone at any time, especially during the cold, dry months of winter, does not make them any less shocking.

Nosebleeds happen when the tender blood vessels in the nose break. Common causes can include changes of season, dryness, scratching, some medicines, and injuries. People who take blood-thinning medications also are more likely to get a bloody nose and they may have worse bleeding than do others. Most often nosebleeds are only annoying and not a true medical problem.

The good news is that nosebleeds are harmless for most people, and the tools you need to handle them are likely already in your home. Keep calm. Nosebleeds can be scary, but they are rarely dangerous. Lean forward so the blood does not go down the throat. If there is blood in your mouth, spit it out, do not swallow it. Sit up, keep your head up, and stay upright.

Do not tilt your head back or lie flat.

This may cause you to choke on blood. Blood in the stomach can make you sick and cause vomiting. Gently blow your nose. This will clear any blood clots. Try a spray. Apply three sprays of decongestant nose spray, such as Afrin, into the side that is bleeding. Gently put a saline gel (Ayr), antibiotic ointment (Neosporin), or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the inside of the nose.

Pinch the nose. Use the thumb and a finger to pinch both nostrils shut. Breathe through the mouth. Keep pinching for 10 minutes. Pinching puts pressure on the blood vessels and helps stop the blood flow. Use a clock to keep track of time. Resist the urge to peek after a few minutes to see if your nose has stopped bleeding. Observe and react. After 10 minutes, let go of your nose.

If it is still bleeding, soak a cotton ball with the nose spray. Place the cotton ball into the bleeding nostril and pinch for another 10 minutes. Again, use a clock to time it. If the bleeding does not stop, pinch the nose again for up to 15 minutes. Do not let go for even to check if the bleeding has stopped. Check your blood pressure.

High blood pressure can cause bloody nose.

Take it easy. Once bleeding has stopped, do not pick or blow your nose for two days. Avoid exertion. It can take up to two full weeks to heal after a nose bleed. Do not drop the head below the heart or lift anything heavy for many hours. Do not lift anything heavy, such as groceries, or perform physical activities or household chores. Steam, humidifiers, or an ice pack across the bridge of the nose also may help.

Think about using a humidifier. Adding more moisture in your home may help relieve nose bleeding. Seek medical help if the bleeding does not stop. Seek emergency care if the nosebleed involves bleeding that is very heavy, pouring down the back of your throat and out the front of your nose; if your bloody nose lasts longer than 30 minutes; if you feel faint, light-headedness, chest pain, and/or rapid heart rate; if your nosebleed follows a fall or an accident; or if your nosebleed occurs 3 to 4 times weekly or greater than 6 times per month.

If you have nosebleeds often. You may need to have a blood vessel cauterized. Cautery is a method that burns and seals blood vessels using electric current, silver nitrate, or a laser.