Nosebleeds are common because the lining inside the nose contains many small blood vessels that can be irritated by dry air, nose picking, forceful blowing or minor injury. Most stop with simple first aid, but the way you position your head and apply pressure matters.
What to do when a nosebleed starts
- Sit upright and lean forward. Keep the head above the heart and lean forward so blood can leave the nose rather than run down the throat.
- Pinch the soft part of the nose. Use your thumb and index finger to press the soft sides of the nose together, below the bony bridge.
- Hold steady pressure for 10–15 minutes. Breathe through the mouth and use a clock if helpful. Avoid releasing the pressure repeatedly to check whether bleeding has stopped.
- Spit out blood that reaches the mouth. Swallowing blood may cause nausea or vomiting.
Do not tilt the head backwards or lie flat to stop a nosebleed. These positions allow blood to run into the throat and make it harder to judge how much is being lost.
When is a nosebleed an emergency?
Seek urgent or emergency care if bleeding continues after 10–15 minutes of firm, continuous pressure, the bleeding is heavy, you are swallowing large amounts of blood, you feel faint or weak, you have difficulty breathing, or the nosebleed follows a significant head or facial injury. Use your local emergency service if the situation is severe.
If you take a blood-thinning medicine or have a known bleeding disorder, contact a healthcare professional for advice about significant or recurrent bleeding. Do not stop prescribed anticoagulants on your own.
What to do after the bleeding stops
For about 24 hours, avoid nose blowing, picking the nose, strenuous lifting or exercise, hot drinks and alcohol, as these may disturb the clot. Do not pick at crusts. If dryness is a recurring issue, ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable moisturising measures for the inside of the nose.
Why do nosebleeds keep happening?
Repeated bleeding can be related to dryness, irritation, trauma, nasal inflammation, medicines that affect clotting or other medical conditions. Persistent or recurrent nosebleeds merit assessment, especially if they occur mainly on one side or come with persistent blockage, unusual discharge, easy bruising or symptoms of anaemia such as unusual breathlessness or paleness.
How can you reduce the chance of another nosebleed?
- Avoid inserting fingers or objects into the nose and blow gently.
- Address nasal dryness and avoid smoke or other irritants where possible.
- Use nasal sprays according to their instructions; incorrect direction toward the nasal septum can irritate the lining.
- Discuss recurrent bleeding with a clinician, particularly if you take anticoagulants, have a bleeding disorder or have had recent nasal surgery.
Common questions
Should I pack my nose with tissue? Do not push tissue or cotton deeply into the nose. Start with continuous pressure on the soft part of the nose and seek help if bleeding does not stop.
Should I tilt my head back? No. Lean forward while applying pressure.
Are frequent nosebleeds always serious? Often the cause is local irritation, but recurrent bleeding should be assessed to identify the reason and decide whether treatment is needed.
Explore our nasal breathing assessment and nasal endoscopy pages for more information about related care options. A clinician can advise whether either is appropriate based on the individual history and examination findings.
Sources and further reading
Educational information only; seek urgent care when bleeding is heavy, persistent or associated with other warning signs.