Nosebleeds are a common occurrence, according to the National Institutes of Health, and are rarely a major medical concern. The blood vessels in the nose are small in size and can bleed when an infection is present, if you sustain an injury to your face or nose, or simply because the air around you is dry. Most cases of a bloody nose can be remedied at home with no professional medical care needed.
Step 1
Sit down and lean your upper body forward a little bit. The Academy of Family Physicians explains that this posture keeps your head above your heart to help curb the bleeding, but can prevent blood from running down your throat and into your stomach.
Step 2
Pinch the fleshy part of your nose that is located between the very end of your nose and the hard area of cartilage--called the bridge-- so that your nostrils are closed. Use tissues to avoid soiling your clothing and furniture.
Step 3
Continue holding your nose, and breathing through your mouth, until the bleeding tapers. In most cases, your nosebleed should stop within five to 10 minutes. Letting go of your nose early can slow the progress and your nose may bleed longer.
Step 4
Hasten the slowing of your nosebleed by applying an ice pack to the bridge of your nose as you pinch your nose shut. The NIH explains that you should try to apply ice while sitting; lying down can cause you to swallow more blood.
Step 5
Use a nasal decongestant spray if your nose continues to bleed, or stops bleeding and begins again within a short time period. The medication in the spray can help close off the affected blood vessels.
Step 6
Avoid blowing your nose or sniffing deeply for a few hours once you have treated your nosebleed. Gentle treatment of your nose, and face in general, can help the blood vessels heal.
Tips and Warnings
- Introduce some moisture to the air if you experience frequent nosebleeds in the winter. Cool, dry air can irritate the nasal passages and cause you to have a bloody nose. Install a humidifier in your home as needed.
- A bloody nose that lasts for more than 20 minutes or accompanies an injury to the face requires medical care, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Contact your doctor or head to an emergency room for prompt care.
Things You'll Need
- Tissues
- Ice pack
- Nasal spray
- Humidifier
