Treating Minor Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds look bad, but are usually not very serious. Bleeding is usually from a small vein in the dividing membrane (septum) of the nose. It can be caused by irritation from colds, allergies, picking, or overuse of nose drops or sprays. Sometimes nosebleeds can be dangerously severe, especially in adults with high blood pressure.

How To Treat It

Have the patient sit leaning slightly forward so that the blood does not run down the throat. Ask the patient to use their thumb and forefinger to pinch the nose firmly but gently. While the patient is pinching, apply a cold compress to the nose and surrounding area.

After 10 full minutes, have the patient slowly release the nose pinch. If bleeding reappears, gently pull back the bleeding nostril (or both, if you can't tell which one is the source of the bleeding). Use gauze or a clean cloth strip. Avoid absorbent cotton; it will stick. Use only 1 strip in each nostril and be sure both ends hang out for easy removal. Then, for the next 5 minutes, pinch the nose with the gauze still inside.

After the nosebleed stops, do not irritate, pick, or blow the nose for several hours. If bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes, seek medical attention.