When should you see a doctor about nosebleed?

Most nosebleeds start when small blood vessels in the front of the nose become irritated or dry. Nose picking, blowing, allergies, a cold, sinus inflammation, and minor trauma can contribute. A clinician may also review blood pressure, medicines, and bleeding elsewhere when episodes are frequent or difficult to control.

Sit upright, lean slightly forward, and pinch the soft part of the nose continuously while breathing through your mouth. Spit out blood rather than swallowing it. Avoid lying flat, tilting your head back, blowing your nose, or picking inside it soon afterwards. Moisturising measures may help if dryness is a trigger.

Seek emergency help if bleeding is heavy, causes dizziness or weakness, follows a serious head or facial injury, makes breathing difficult, or continues despite sustained pressure. Arrange a medical appointment for repeated episodes, bleeding from other sites, easy bruising, or treatment with a medicine that affects clotting.

Tell the clinician which nostril bled, how often episodes occur, how long they last, and what stopped them. Mention nasal symptoms, injuries, blood-pressure concerns, and all medicines. Ask whether prevention or nasal cautery should be considered.