How to stop a nosebleed

Having a nosebleed is inconvenient and uncomfortable — not to mention messy. The good news? Stopping a nosebleed is easier than you think. Here’s what to do if you have a bloody nose.

More than just smell

Inside your nose live lots of tiny blood vessels. They warm and moisten the air you breathe.

“The capillaries inside your nose are thin and prone to irritation,” says Ion Prohnitchi, MD, otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) at Geisinger.

When those tiny blood vessels get irritated, they can break, leading to a bloody nose. That bleeding, also called epistaxis, can happen from one or both nostrils. 

What causes nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds are common. And they can happen for a lot of reasons, including:

• Dry air
• Seasonal allergies
• Picking your nose
• Pregnancy
• High blood pressure
• Nose injuries
• Having a deviated septum
• Colds and other upper respiratory infections

Other common causes of nosebleeds include smoke inhalation, excessive alcohol consumption and taking certain medications, like blood thinners and nasal sprays.

How to stop a bloody nose

“Most bloody noses are mild and go away on their own,” Dr. Prohnitchi says. No matter what the cause, stopping a nosebleed is simple. And it can be done from anywhere. To stop the bleeding, follow these easy steps.

1. Stay calm

Don’t let a nosebleed send you into a panic. Staying calm is key. Relax as much as possible and breathe through your mouth. Breathing through your nose can raise your blood pressure, which can worsen bleeding.

2. Sit up and tilt your head forward

This position helps stop blood from going down your throat and into your stomach. Swallowing that excess blood can cause a stomachache.

3. Pinch your nose

Gently grab your nose above your nostrils. “Use your thumb and forefinger to apply a small amount of pressure for 10 to 15 minutes,” says Dr. Prohnitchi. Applying pressure to the affected blood vessels helps slow or stop the bleeding. After 15 minutes, let go of your nose. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped, other methods, like an ice pack, may be needed.

4. Apply a cold compress

Cold makes blood vessels constrict. That reduces blood flow, which can slow or stop bleeding. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. But when applying cold, don’t put the ice pack or compress directly on your skin. Instead, wrap the compress in a cloth before holding it over your nose.

5. Try a nasal spray

If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 10 to 15 minutes, consider using nasal spray. Start by squirting 2 to 3 sprays into the nostril that’s bleeding. Decongestant nasal spray works by constricting blood vessels, which reduces or stops bleeding.

If your nose is still bleeding, you can try:

• Dabbing petroleum jelly inside your nostril
• Using a special type of bandage designed to cauterize the wound

How long is too long for a nosebleed?

Most nosebleeds stop on their own. More severe nosebleeds, however, may last longer or require more treatment. Dr. Prohnitchi notes that if the bleeding is heavy, or it doesn’t stop after 20 minutes, you should seek medical attention. This is especially important if:

• The bleeding happened after a head injury
• It’s making you lightheaded
• You’re vomiting
• You have chest pain

If you have any of those symptoms with a nosebleed, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.

How to prevent nosebleeds

Though an occasional bloody nose is nothing to worry about, Dr. Prohnitchi offers some tips to prevent future nosebleeds:

• Stay hydrated.
• Use a humidifier.
• Avoid picking your nose or blowing it too hard.
• Use petroleum jelly inside your nose.

And if you have frequent nosebleeds, contact your healthcare provider. They can identify possible causes and help prevent recurrent bleeding.

Next steps: 

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