Nosebleed

Most nosebleeds do not need medical attention and can be treated successfully at home with self-administered treatment.

1. The best thing to do during a nosebleed is sit down, lean slightly forwards and keep your chin tucked towards your head so that your head is tilted forwards.
2. Pinch the soft lower part of your nose continuously for 10 minutes. Sitting forwards with your head tilted the same way helps the blood run out of your nose and not back towards your throat.
3. Don’t pinch the hard upper part of the nose but you can put a wrapped ice pack or cold flannel on it to help stem the nosebleed.

You should book a routine visit with your doctor if you are having regular nosebleeds. You should seek more urgent medical advice if the nosebleed occurs after a severe head injury, if the bleeding is profuse and lasting more than 20 minutes, if you are on blood-thinning medication and if you have a known clotting disorder. This could be through calling your doctor, NHS 111 or 999 depending on the severity.

The risks with severe nosebleeds are the loss of blood but also the blood running back into the throat and blocking the airway. This is why forward positioning is important while you wait for medical help.

The doctor will ask you about your medical history and your current symptoms. They will examine your nose and take basic health measurements such as your heart rate and blood pressure. They may also refer you to a hospital ear nose and throat specialist.

Emergency department doctors and ENT (ear nose and throat) doctors are able to place different types of packs into the nose that help stop nosebleeds. These aim to help put pressure on the bleeding areas to stop the bleeding from continuing. Other treatment options include cauterisation which uses an electrical current or silver nitrate on the bleeding blood vessel in your nose to prevent it from continuing to bleed.

Do's:

1. Stay calm - Keep calm and reassure the person experiencing the nosebleed. Most nosebleeds are minor and can be easily treated at home.

2. Sit up straight - Sit or stand upright and lean slightly forward. This helps prevent blood from flowing down the throat, which can cause nausea or vomiting.

3. Pinch the nose - Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the soft part of the nose just below the bridge. Maintain pressure for 10-15 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Avoid releasing pressure too soon, as this can prolong bleeding.

4. Apply cold compress - Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the bridge of the nose. This helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, which can help stop the bleeding.

5. Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. However, avoid hot drinks immediately after a nosebleed, as heat can dilate blood vessels and increase the risk of bleeding.

6. Use nasal saline spray - After the bleeding has stopped, use a saline nasal spray to keep the nasal passages moist and prevent dryness, which can contribute to nosebleeds.

7. Monitor for recurrence - Keep an eye on the person for any signs of recurrent bleeding, such as persistent dripping or oozing from the nose. Seek medical attention if bleeding persists or if the person experiences frequent nosebleeds.

Don'ts:

1. Tilt the head back - Avoid tilting the head back, as this can cause blood to flow down the throat and into the stomach, leading to nausea, vomiting, or aspiration.

2. Blow the nose - Avoid blowing the nose forcefully immediately after a nosebleed, as this can dislodge blood clots and trigger further bleeding.

3. Insert objects into the nose - Do not insert tissues, cotton swabs, or other objects into the nose to try to stop the bleeding, as this can cause further irritation or injury to the delicate nasal tissues.

4. Engage in strenuous activities - Avoid strenuous physical activities, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise immediately after a nosebleed, as this can increase blood pressure and the risk of recurrent bleeding.

5. Consume hot foods or beverages - Refrain from consuming hot foods or beverages immediately after a nosebleed, as heat can dilate blood vessels and increase the risk of bleeding.

6. Pick or rub the nose - Avoid picking or rubbing the nose, as this can irritate the nasal passages and increase the risk of recurrent bleeding.