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Nosebleeds: how to stop them

Emergency numbers differ by country. This page uses 911, the number for the United States and Canada. Many other countries use 112, 999, or another number. Find the number for your country.

Nosebleeds are common and usually look worse than they are. Most nosebleeds happen in the front part of the nose and can be controlled easily at home.

Do this now

  1. Sit upright and lean slightly forward. Leaning forward prevents blood from draining down your throat.
  2. Pinch the soft part of your nose firm shut, just below the hard bony bridge, using your thumb and index finger.
  3. Keep pinching continuously for 10 to 15 minutes without letting go to check.
  4. Breathe through your mouth while pinching your nose.
  5. If bleeding continues after 15 minutes, pinch for another 15 minutes.

What not to do during a nosebleed

  • Do not lean back or lie flat. Swallowing blood can irritate your stomach and cause vomiting, which makes the nosebleed worse.
  • Do not stuff tissue, paper towels, or cotton balls into your nostrils. Removing them later can tear open the fresh blood clot and restart bleeding.
  • Do not blow your nose, pick your nose, or bend over for several hours after the bleeding stops.

How to treat a nosebleed in a child

Children often get nosebleeds from dry air, allergies, or nose picking. Follow the same steps as for an adult:

  1. Keep the child calm and sit them on your lap, leaning them slightly forward.
  2. Pinch the soft part of their nose gently but firmly for 10 minutes.
  3. Distract them with a story or video so they stay still and breathe through their mouth.

If a cold compress or ice pack is available, placing it wrapped in a cloth over the bridge of the nose or back of the neck can help narrow blood vessels.

When to seek emergency care

Most nosebleeds stop with direct pressure. Seek immediate medical attention or call your local emergency number (911 in the United States, 112 in Europe, 999 in the United Kingdom) if:

  • Bleeding continues after 30 minutes of continuous direct pinching.
  • The person feels dizzy, faint, lightheaded, or weak.
  • The nosebleed was caused by a severe blow to the head, a fall, or a car crash.
  • Blood is pouring heavily from the nose or coming out of the mouth.
  • The person has difficulty breathing.

... note "First aid recommendations" If you experience frequent nosebleeds, consult a doctor. Learning basic first aid through a Red Cross course equips you to manage common bleeding emergencies safely.