The blood vessels inside the nose are easy to break, which results in a nosebleed. The amount of blood that comes from a nosebleed can be alarming, but it isn't usually a serious health concern. Common causes of a nosebleed include scratching the blood vessels with a fingernail, and dried membranes that cause cracking and bleeding. When the blood is running down the throat despite the head being tilted forward, the nosebleed should be treated by a medical professional.
Step 1
Relax when the nosebleed occurs. Children should be calmed to reduce the risk of profuse bleeding from stress, states the American Academy of Otolarynogology.
Step 2
Remain upright. As long as the head is above the heart, blood circulation will remain normal instead of pooling in the nose. Lean forward slightly to keep the blood in the nose instead of running down the throat.
Step 3
Pinch the soft parts of the nose, namely the nostrils, with the thumb and index finger, holding this position for five minutes. Repeat the hold for 10 more minutes if the bleeding continues. Try placing gauze or cotton under the upper lip and pushing it upwards towards the nose. This can help stop bleeding by applying gentle pressure to the blood vessels.
Step 4
Rub a small amount of petroleum jelly into the nostrils by using a cotton swab. Do this once the bleeding has slowed or stopped to prevent future bleeding. This will quickly hydrate the inner tissues of the nose and stop the skin from cracking and bleeding.
Step 5
Apply an ice pack to the nose and the cheek to slow the flow of blood to the nasal blood vessels. Hold for five to 10 minutes.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid blowing the nose forcefully to reduce the occurrence of nosebleeds
- Don't shove cotton or anything else up the nostrils to stop the bleeding. When needed use cotton balls or a tissue at the base of the nostrils to catch the blood. If blood drains down the throat, such as following an injury, contact a healthcare provider. Recurrent nosebleeds that don't seem to be due to dryness require medical treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Petroleum jelly
- Cotton swabs
- Gauze
- Ice pack
- Tissues or cotton balls
