ENT
Nosebleeds: Common Causes, First Aid and When to Seek Help
Most nosebleeds begin from small blood vessels near the front of the nasal septum. Dry air, nose picking, forceful blowing, allergy, infection and local irritation are common causes. Blood-thinning medicines and bleeding disorders can increase the severity or frequency.
To stop a typical nosebleed, sit upright, lean slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose firmly between the thumb and finger. Maintain continuous pressure for 10 to 15 minutes without repeatedly checking. Breathe through the mouth. Leaning forward reduces swallowing of blood. Do not tilt the head backward, as this directs blood into the throat.
After bleeding stops, avoid nose picking, forceful blowing, heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a period advised by the clinician. Saline spray, saline gel or a humidifier may help when dryness is a contributor. Repeated use of decongestant sprays should not be started without advice.
Seek urgent medical care when bleeding is heavy, follows significant facial or head injury, causes breathing difficulty, continues despite firm pressure, or occurs with faintness or signs of major blood loss. People taking anticoagulants should seek advice if bleeding is difficult to control.
Frequent or one-sided nosebleeds require ENT assessment. Examination may identify a visible blood vessel, dryness, inflammation, a structural problem or, rarely, an abnormal growth. Treatment may include moisturizing care, cautery, nasal packing or management of an underlying condition.
Q: Should I tilt my head back? A: No. Sit upright and lean forward.
Q: Where should I pinch? A: Pinch the soft part of the nose, not the bony bridge.
Q: How long should pressure be held? A: Maintain uninterrupted pressure for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Q: What commonly causes nosebleeds? A: Dryness, irritation, picking, forceful blowing, allergy and infection.
Q: When is emergency care needed? A: For heavy bleeding, injury, breathing difficulty, faintness or bleeding that will not stop.
This information is for education only and does not replace medical assessment or treatment by a qualified physician.
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After anaesthetic spray, the throat or nose may feel numb for a short time. Follow the clinic’s advice about eating or drinking until sensation returns. Minor spotting can occur, especially when the lining is inflamed, but significant bleeding is uncommon.
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