How to Stop Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are rarely dangerous but can be shocking and can ruin clothes and furniture. Thankfully, the steps to stop a nosebleed are very simple.
- Don’t tilt your head back or lie down, tilt it forward.
- Pinch your nostrils closed. Applying pressure slows the flow of blood which helps the blood clot faster. Breathe through your mouth and keep your nostrils closed for 10-15 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, lightly blow your nose and repeat once more.
- If your nosebleed continues after the second round of pinching, contact your doctor.
- Stay upright, relax, and keep your nose clear. Bending over, lifting something heavy, blowing your nose, or picking your nose can all cause the nosebleed to restart.
- For added protection you can use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of your nostril.
You can also use a nasal decongestant spray before the first round of pinching to help your nose. If your nosebleed doesn’t stop after the first 10-15 minutes, try using a cold pack or compress on the bridge of your nose while pinching.
What Causes Nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds are very easy to cause, the most common reasons are:
Picking your nose. The skin inside your nose is very thin and the fingernail can easily cut it.
Cold temperatures. Dry, cold air causes skin to dry out and crack. Keeping your nose moisturized with a humidifier, proper hydration, saline nasal sprays and moisturizers, or take steamy showers.
Medications. Blood thinning medications can cause the inside of your nose to dry out.
Injuries. Getting hit in the nose usually causes a nosebleed since the skin and vessels are so easy to break.
When to See a Doctor
- When a nosebleed results from a fall or blow to the nose. It’s possible that your nose got broken or a large wound formed.
- You feel lightheaded.
- There is a lot of blood, or the blood is both flowing out of your nose and into your mouth.
- The nosebleed lasts more than 20-30 minutes.
- You’re on blood thinners.
- You get nosebleeds regularly.
These are all signs that there is serious damage to the nasal cavity and/or blood vessels, which may require cauterization or some other medical attention.
What Not to Do
Don’t tilt your head back or lay down. This will cause the blood to flow into your mouth, which you can swallow or choke on it.
Don’t stuff a tissue, tampon, or gauze up your nose. This will end up irritating your nose more and can pull out the blood clots before they’re fully formed.
Don’t blow your nose, or at least not strongly. Being gentle or avoiding blowing your nose will let it heal and stop bleeding.
Don’t panic. An elevated heart rate will only cause your nose to bleed more.
Wrap-up
Nosebleeds are a very common affliction and nine times out of ten aren’t anything to worry about. Sitting in a chair with your head forward and applying pressure is often the best way to stop a nosebleed.
