Do you need a referral for nasal cautery?

You may not need a referral for nasal cautery, because some general practitioners provide it, while others refer you to an ear, nose and throat service. The decision depends on the bleeding pattern, examination findings, available equipment, and local booking rules. A clinician should first identify the likely bleeding point and consider causes such as dryness, irritation, injury, or medicines.

Nasal cautery treats a visible blood vessel that repeatedly bleeds by sealing the surface around it. The nose is examined first, and local anaesthetic may be used to improve comfort. Cautery is not suitable for every nosebleed, particularly when the bleeding source cannot be seen or bleeding is heavy. Follow-up advice may include keeping the lining moist and avoiding nose picking or forceful blowing.

Contact a general practice or clinic and describe how often the nosebleeds occur, which nostril is affected, how long they last, and whether you take medicines that affect clotting. Mention recent nasal injury, allergies, congestion, or very dry air. Do not attempt to cauterise the nose yourself. Ask whether the service performs nasal cautery or arranges specialist review.

Seek urgent care if bleeding is heavy, follows a significant injury, causes faintness or weakness, or does not settle despite firm pressure while sitting forward. Emergency assessment is also needed when you have trouble breathing, vomit a large amount of swallowed blood, or take a blood-thinning medicine and cannot control the bleeding.

Ask whether cautery is appropriate, which side should be treated, how to prepare, what discomfort to expect, and how to care for the nose afterward. Ask when recurrent bleeding should be reassessed and whether any prescribed or over-the-counter medicine could be contributing.