How is nosebleed treated?

The delicate lining inside the nose can bleed after dry air, nose picking, forceful blowing, an allergy, a cold, sinus irritation, or an injury. Some medicines and high blood pressure can make bleeding harder to control. Repeated episodes from the same spot may need examination to find the source.

Sit upright and lean slightly forward so blood does not run into the throat. Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly between finger and thumb while breathing through the mouth; keep steady pressure without checking repeatedly. Spit out blood rather than swallowing it. After bleeding stops, avoid nose blowing, picking, heavy exertion, hot drinks, and alcohol for a while. Saline spray or a clinician-recommended moisturising product may help dryness. Do not tilt the head back or pack the nose with tissues.

Seek urgent care if bleeding is heavy, follows a significant head or face injury, causes faintness or breathing difficulty, or continues despite sustained pressure. Arrange medical advice for frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, or bleeding while taking a blood-thinning medicine. A clinician may use nasal cautery to seal a visible bleeding vessel or recommend other treatment.

Ask whether dryness, allergies, sinus disease, blood pressure, or a medicine is contributing. Ask how to protect the nasal lining and whether nasal cautery is suitable if the same area keeps bleeding.