What are nosebleeds

Nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, occur when the delicate blood vessels inside the nose break. They’re very common and usually not serious, though they can be alarming. Common causes include dry air, seasonal changes, nose-picking, certain medications, and trauma. People taking blood thinners may experience longer or more intense nosebleeds.

While most nosebleeds are harmless and can be treated at home, some cases may require emergency attention.

When to seek emergency help

Seek emergency medical care if:

  • The nosebleed involves a large amount of blood

  • Bleeding continues for more than 30 minutes despite pressure

  • You feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint

  • The nosebleed follows a head injury or facial trauma, which could indicate a broken nose or other internal injury

First aid for nosebleeds

If you or someone else has a nosebleed, follow these steps:

Sit upright and lean slightly forward. This helps reduce pressure in the veins of your nose and prevents blood from flowing into the throat, which can cause choking or nausea.

Gently blow your nose. This clears any blood clots and prepares the area for clotting.

Pinch the soft part of your nose. Using your thumb and index finger, firmly pinch both nostrils shut and breathe through your mouth. Maintain the pressure for 10 to 15 minutes without checking.

If the bleeding hasn’t stopped, repeat pinching for another 15 minutes. Be sure to pinch continuously for at least five minutes before checking again. Seek emergency help if it still doesn’t stop.

How to prevent future nosebleeds

After a nosebleed stops, avoid picking or blowing your nose. Do not bend over or lift anything heavy for several hours. Consider applying a thin layer of saline gel, antibiotic ointment, or petroleum jelly inside the nose to keep the lining moist. Focus especially on the septum—the center part of the nose.

Using a humidifier in your home can help add moisture to the air and prevent dryness in the nasal passages. Breathing in steam or applying an ice pack to the bridge of the nose may also provide relief.

If another nosebleed occurs, repeat the initial steps, but before pinching the nose, spray both nostrils with an over-the-counter nasal decongestant that contains oxymetazoline (such as Afrin). If bleeding persists, seek medical care.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if:

  • You experience frequent or recurrent nosebleeds

  • You take blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin

  • You suspect an underlying condition may be contributing to the bleeding

Your provider may recommend cauterization, which uses electric current, silver nitrate, or a laser to seal off the bleeding blood vessels. Another option is nasal packing using gauze or inflatable balloons to apply pressure inside the nose.

Conclusion

Most nosebleeds are harmless and treatable at home, but persistent or frequent bleeding may require medical intervention. Learning how to properly respond to a nosebleed and taking preventive steps can help you avoid unnecessary complications and discomfort.