• Allergies
• First Aid

How to Stop a Nosebleed: Tips and Tricks

Medically reviewed and edited by Mandy Clement, FNP

Around 60% of Americans experience a nosebleed at least once in their lives, therefore it’s important to know how to treat them. 

Although treating a nosebleed is relatively easy, it must be done right to avoid prolonged bleeding and other complications.

Here is everything you should know about taking care of your nasal health and preventing recurrent episodes.

Understanding Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds — also known as epistaxis — are common occurrences triggered by environmental and general health factors. 

There are two types of nosebleeds:

• Anterior nosebleeds: These common nosebleeds are usually not serious. They typically occur at the front of the nose in an area known as the Kiesselbach’s plexus, where four large arteries intersect. This makes the area especially prone to nosebleeds.

• Posterior nosebleeds: These are less common than posterior nosebleeds and occur deep in the nose, where arteries branch off toward the back of the nasal passage. This can cause a lot of blood to flow down the back of the throat when a nosebleed occurs. Side effects of posterior nosebleeds include chest pain, lightheadedness, and even fainting in severe cases of blood loss.

Common causes of nosebleeds

Nosebleeds tend to occur when nasal passages become irritated or inflamed. This can be due to:

• Dry air

• Allergies

• Frequent nose blowing

• Nose picking

• Trauma, such as a blow to the nose

• Health conditions, such as blood clotting disorders and high blood pressure (hypertension) 

• Using blood thinning medications 

In some cases, nosebleeds can occur due to structural issues, like a deviated septum. 

Immediate Steps to Treat a Nosebleed

Most cases of nosebleeds can be effectively treated at home with the right approach.

In this section, we’ll cover the immediate actions to take when you have a nosebleed and what to avoid to prevent it from worsening.

Step-by-step guide

As soon as you experience a nosebleed, follow these steps:

• Stay calm: Sit down and try to relax. Anxiety increases your blood pressure which can make the bleeding worse.

• Position yourself correctly: Sit up straight and lean forward slightly. This position prevents the blood from dripping down your throat and helps reduce pressure on the veins in the nose.

• Pinch your nose: Use your thumb and index finger to firmly pinch the soft part of your nose (just above the nostrils and below the bridge). This encourages blood clots, stopping the flow. 

• Hold the pinch: Keep your nose pinched for at least five to 10 minutes. Try to resist the urge to check if your nose is still bleeding, as this can disrupt the clotting process. 

• Check and repeat: After a few minutes, release the pinch and check if the bleeding has stopped. If it hasn’t, pinch it again for another ten minutes. 

Once the bleeding has stopped, try not to touch or blow your nose for a few hours to allow the clot to stabilize. 

What should you avoid when trying to stop a nosebleed?

To effectively stop a nosebleed, it's crucial to avoid certain actions that could worsen or prolong the bleeding. This includes:

• Not lying down: Lying down can result in swallowing blood and can increase the pressure in the blood vessels of the nose – potentially making the bleeding worse.

• Steer clear of strenuous activities: Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or intense exercise following a nosebleed. These activities can increase blood pressure, which may trigger the bleeding again.

Additional Treatments and Considerations 

Additional treatments can help manage persistent or recurrent nosebleeds while providing relief from any discomfort. 

Cold compresses 

Applying a cold compress can help constrict the blood vessel, reducing blood flow to the area to help control the bleeding. 

You can create a cold compress by wrapping ice in a clean cloth or you can use a premade ice pack.

Keep the compress on the bridge of your nose for around 10 minutes. If the bleeding continues, reapply the compress until it stops. 

Packing the nose

Packing is a technique applied when basic first aid fails to stop a severe nosebleed.

It involves gently inserting rolled-up gauze or a nasal pack into the nose. If you’re doing this at home, ensure that the materials are clean and sterile.

Leave the gauze in for a few hours before removing it to check if the bleeding has stopped.

Use oxymetazoline nasal sprays

Medicated nasal sprays — such as those containing oxymetazoline — can help constrict blood vessels and stop the bleeding more quickly.

However, always use these as directed by your doctor to avoid congestion, as this can cause additional difficulties.

Can You Prevent Nosebleeds?

It’s possible to prevent a nosebleed by making certain lifestyle adjustments to ensure you take care of your nasal passages. Let’s look at some ways you can do this.

Keep the nasal passages moist

Maintaining moist nasal passages can help prevent a dry nose, which is more prone to nosebleeds. You can do this by:

• Using a humidifier in your home, especially during the dry winter months

• Using saline sprays or gels to keep the lining of the nose moist

• Reducing your exposure to irritants — such as smoke, strong chemicals, and allergens — that could dry out or irritate the nose

These strategies are especially useful for preventing nosebleeds if you often find yourself in arid or dry environments.

Make lifestyle adjustments 

Making lifestyle changes can also help you avoid irritation in the nasal passages that could contribute to nosebleeds. These include:

• Blowing your nose gently to avoid damaging the blood vessels 

• Staying well hydrated to ensure the nasal passage stay moist

• Including foods high in vitamin C — essential for maintaining healthy blood vessels — in your diet

• Avoiding picking your nose 

• Using protective gear during sports where nasal injuries are common

When Should You See a Doctor About Nosebleeds?

While most nosebleeds are harmless and can be managed with home remedies, there are certain instances where it might be necessary to consult your doctor.

These may include things like:

• Experiencing frequent nosebleeds, such as more than once a week 

• Nose bleeding that last for longer than 20 minutes 

• Excessive blood loss that causes weakness, dizziness, or fainting 

• Developing accompanying symptoms like a rash, fever, or unexpected bruising 

• Nosebleeds that affect your ability to perform daily activities

• Developing severe anxiety during nosebleeds

If you have these symptoms, it may be an indication of an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

You should also consult your doctor if you experience nosebleeds and have a preexisting health condition — like a blood clotting disorder —  for the most effective treatment options.

Additionally, if your nosebleed follows a head injury or nasal surgery, see your doctor as soon as possible to rule out any complications. 

Where Can You Learn More About Nasal Health?

If you are concerned about your nosebleeds or have trouble with their frequency, LifeMD can help.

A team of licensed professionals at LifeMD can perform an online evaluation, prescribe medication, and order lab tests to address your concerns about your nasal health.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about taking care of your nasal health — all from the comfort of your home.

Mandy Clement, FNP

Mandy earned her MSN from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has been in healthcare for more than 20 years, first as an RN and then as a Nurse Practitioner for the past 13 years. She is an advocate for telehealth and its ability to allow a broader range of patients to receive quality care. Mandy is married with three children and loves anything Disney! She also has a passion for traveling and loves exploring new places whenever she gets the chance.

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