Overview

Most nosebleeds aren't serious. They usually can be stopped with home treatment. Most nosebleeds occur in the front of the nose and involve only one nostril. Some blood may drain down the back of the nose into the throat.

A less common but more serious type of nosebleed starts in the back of the nose. It often involves both nostrils. Large amounts of blood may run down the back of the throat. You will need treatment from a doctor to control bleeding from this type of nosebleed.

Stopping a nosebleed

Follow these steps to stop a nosebleed.

1. Gently blow your nose to clear any clots.
2. Sit up straight and tip your head slightly forward.

   Do not tilt your head back. This may cause blood to run down the back of your throat, and you may swallow it. Swallowed blood can irritate your stomach and cause vomiting. And vomiting may make the bleeding worse or cause it to start again. Spit out any blood that gathers in your mouth and throat rather than swallowing it.

3. Use your thumb and forefinger to firmly pinch the soft part of your nose shut.

   The nose consists of a hard, bony part and a softer part made of cartilage. Nosebleeds usually occur in the soft part of the nose.

   Spraying the nose with a decongestant nasal spray like oxymetazoline (Afrin) before applying pressure may help stop a nosebleed. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

   You will have to breathe through your mouth.

4. Keep pinching for at least 5 minutes.

   Use a clock to time the 5 minutes. It can seem like a long time. Resist the urge to peek after a few minutes to see if your nose has stopped bleeding.

5. Check to see if your nose is still bleeding after 5 minutes.

   If it is, hold it for 10 more minutes. Most nosebleeds will stop after 10 to 20 minutes of direct pressure.

6. Put a thin layer of a saline- or water-based nasal gel, such as NasoGel, or an antiseptic nasal cream inside your nose.

   Do not blow your nose or put anything else inside your nose for several hours after the bleeding has stopped.

7. Rest quietly for a few hours.

Preventing nosebleeds

The following tips may prevent a nosebleed from happening.

• Avoid forceful nose-blowing.
• Do not pick your nose.
• Avoid lifting or straining after a nosebleed.
• Keep your head elevated right after a nosebleed.
• Put a thin layer of nasal gel or cream inside your nose.

  Use a saline- or water-based nasal gel, such as NasoGel, or an antiseptic nasal cream.

• Do not smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke.

  Smoking can dry out your nose and increase your chance of a nosebleed. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

• Be careful with non-prescription antihistamines, decongestants, or medicated nasal sprays.

  Nosebleeds may develop in people who have colds or chronic allergy symptoms (post-nasal drip, sneezing, or a runny, stuffy, or itchy nose) because nasal tissues become inflamed and irritated. Using medicines may relieve the symptoms, leading to less inflammation and irritation and fewer nosebleeds. But overuse of allergy medicines may lead to nosebleeds because of their overdrying side effects.