Nosebleeds are inconvenient, but they can usually be stopped with home treatment. Causes of nosebleeds are low humidity, allergies, colds, medications, or blows to the nose.
Home Treatment
- Sit upright and lean forward. By remaining upright, you will reduce blood pressure in the veins of your nose. Sitting forward will help you avoid swallowing blood, which can irritate your stomach;
- Pinch your nose. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch your nostrils shut. Breathe through your mouth. Continue to pinch for five to 10 minutes;
- To prevent re-bleeding after the bleeding has stopped, don’t pick or blow your nose and don’t bend down until several hours after the bleeding episode. Keep your head higher than the level of your heart;
- If re-bleeding occurs, blow out forcefully to clear your nose of blood clots. Pinch your nose in the technique described above and call your doctor.
When to See a Doctor
- The bleeding lasts for more than 20 minutes;
- The nosebleed follows an accident, a fall or an injury to your head, including a punch to the face that may have broken your nose.