Nosebleed

Injury	Diseases	Nutrition	Poison
Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Nosebleed

Overview

Treatment

Prevention

Alternative Names

Bleeding from the nose; Epistaxis

Home Care

Sit down and gently squeeze the soft portion of the nose between your thumb and finger (so that the nostrils are closed) for a full 10 minutes. Lean forward to avoid swallowing the blood and breathe through your mouth. Wait at least 10 minutes before checking if the bleeding has stopped. Many nosebleeds can be controlled in this way if enough time is allowed for the bleeding to stop.

It may help to apply cold compresses or ice across the bridge of the nose. Do NOT pack the inside of the nose with gauze.

Lying down with a nosebleed is not recommended. You should avoid sniffing or blowing your nose for several hours after a nosebleed. If bleeding persists, a nasal spray decongestant (Afrin, NeoSynephrine) can sometimes be used to close off small vessels and control bleeding.

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Call your health care provider if

Get emergency care if:

Bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes
Nose bleeding occurs after an injury to the head -- this may suggest a skull fracture and x-rays should be taken
Your nose may be broken (for example, it is misshapen after a blow or injury)

Call your doctor if you or your child has repeated nosebleeds, particularly if they are becoming more frequent and are not associated with a cold or other minor irritation.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will perform a physical examination. In some cases, you may be watched for signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock. The doctor will ask you questions about your nosebleeds, including: