How To Stop a Nosebleed

You go to blow your nose. But instead of the usual snot, you see red on your tissue. A nosebleed seems to happen out of the blue and that can make it feel a little startling — for kids and adults alike!

But nosebleeds (also known as epistaxis) are fairly common — many of us have experienced them at least once. It happens when the tissue within the lining of your nose starts to bleed. Usually, it’s because the tiny blood vessels within your nose have become irritated or dry.

Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to help them stop. Ear, nose and throat surgeon (otolaryngologist) Mohamad Chaaban, MD, shares do’s and don’ts for stopping a nosebleed.

What to do to stop a bloody nose quickly

Sometimes, a nosebleed feels like it could last forever. Even if it does go away on its own, a nosebleed can be alarming and irritating. Take the following steps to put an end to a nosebleed.

Step 1: Keep calm

Any kind of bleeding can make anyone skittish. But try and stay calm as best you can. The more you panic, the longer it could take for the bleeding to stop, especially if you’re moving around or rubbing your nose. Stress can also increase your blood pressure, which can cause your blood vessels to dilate more and worsen the bleeding.

That’s why taking a deep breath (again, as best you can) and keeping your mind still are the first steps. The same is true if you’re a parent or caregiver dealing with your child’s nosebleed. If you seem chill, little ones are more likely to follow suit.

Step 2: Sit up straight with your head slightly forward

At this point, you’ve probably already grabbed about 20 tissues or so. That’s fine and good, but Dr. Chaaban also recommends a straight posture. That’s right, the best thing to stop a nosebleed is to remain vertical. Don’t lay flat or put your head between your legs.

Next, Dr. Chaaban says that you’ll want to lean slightly forward while staying as vertical as possible. Keep your head above your heart while leaning the bottom half of your body forward. This is important because it prevents blood from going down your throat.

Step 3: Pinch your nose gently

You’ll need a couple of extra tissues for this one. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch together the soft part of your nose. Make sure to pinch the soft part of the nose against the middle part of the nose (septum). Squeezing at or above the bony part of your nose won’t put pressure where it can help stop the bleeding. 

This pinch method works by directly compressing the blood vessels in the front part of your nasal septum, an area rich with blood vessels and the usual source of nosebleeds.

“It’ll feel like you were pinching your nose shut,” Dr. Chaaban explains.

After 10 to 15 minutes of applying steady pressure, release gently and check if the bleeding has stopped. If it hasn’t, gently pinch again for another 10 minutes. If you’re taking a blood thinner, you may need to pinch your nose for a longer time.

If you’d like, apply an ice pack to the bridge of your nose to further help narrow blood vessels (which will slow the bleeding) and provide comfort. This isn’t a necessary step, but you can try it.

You can also place a rolled tissue or gauze under your upper lip. Apply gentle pressure while also using the pinch method we outlined above. This can sometimes help put pressure on small blood vessels connected to your nose.

Step 4: Wait for the bleeding to stop

And now, we wait.

“Keep the pressure for at least 10 to 15 minutes before checking to see if the bleeding has stopped,” Dr. Chaaban advises. Just set a timer and sit tight, even if you think you feel like the bleeding has stopped.

“Don’t relieve pressure before the time is up to check, as you may restart the bleeding,” he adds.

After the bleeding stops, don’t bend over, strain and/or lift anything heavy. Don’t blow or rub your nose for several days. Dr. Chaaban also says avoiding heavy lifting right after a nosebleed is a good idea. The strain can increase your blood pressure, which can bring on more bleeding.

Step 5: Try a nasal spray (if needed)

If your nosebleed is still stubborn, a nasal spray may help stuff it up faster. You can spray an over-the-counter decongestant spray like oxymetazoline (Afrin®, Dristan®, Neo-Synephrine® or Vicks Sinex®) into the bleeding side of your nose and then apply pressure to your nose. This is helpful to have with you if you bleed often particularly in the winter time.

Note: You shouldn’t use these topical decongestant sprays over a long period. Doing so can cause an increase in the chance of a nosebleed. And be careful not to use more than the recommended amount so you don’t further irritate your nostrils. 

When are nosebleeds a cause for concern? 

A bloody nose can sometimes be a red flag your body is waving. In those cases, you’ll need more help than a box of tissues. If the bleeding is coming from more prominent blood vessels in the back of your nose, it may require further management, Dr. Chaaban points out.

You should go to the emergency room for your nosebleed if:

• The bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes 
• The blood is flowing down your throat, causing choking or nausea
• The bleeding is paired with other symptoms like lightheadedness, chest pain or very high blood pressure
• Your nosebleed occurs after a head or facial injury
• You have a bleeding disorder like hemophilia 
• You’re on blood thinners

In some cases, you may want to see a healthcare provider even if the nosebleed isn’t a full-on emergency.

Persistent and recurring nosebleeds can be a sign of another health issue, says Dr. Chaaban. If you get frequent nosebleeds, nosebleeds that just won’t stop or if your nosebleeds are accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness or pressure in your face, make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor to get it checked out.

How to prevent nosebleeds

If you want to avoid bloody noses in the future, try these tips:

• Keep your nose moist. Especially in the wintertime, make sure you either use nasal saline or a humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist. Most bleeding is related to dry air in the winter.
• Don’t blow your nose too hard. Forceful nose-blowing can dislodge scabs as they heal and restart the bleeding. 
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep your body, including your mucous membranes, well-hydrated.
• Avoid picking your nose. Nose-picking is one of the primary causes of nosebleeds in little kids. Picking agitates healing scabs and can damage blood vessels.
• Protect against irritants. Smoke and strong chemicals can dry out and irritate your nasal lining. If you can’t avoid them, use a mask to reduce exposure.
• Manage your allergies. Allergies can cause irritation and dryness. Use antihistamines or allergy medications as needed.
• Don’t overuse nasal decongestants. Overusing nasal sprays can dry and irritate your nasal passages. Use them as directed and avoid prolonged use.

The bottom line: Most nosebleeds stop on their own

Nosebleeds can stop you in your tracks. But by staying calm, being patient, sitting up straight and applying pressure, most bloody noses will come to pass. If you’re experiencing frequent or severe nosebleeds, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider, as this may indicate an underlying problem.