How are nosebleeds treated?

UCLA Health

There are three simple steps to stop a nosebleed:

Stay calm.
Have your child gently pinch his or her nostrils together. Pressure is the best way to stop nosebleeds.
Sit while tilting slightly forward. This can prevent dizziness or swallowing blood.

During a nosebleed, it is also important to not tilt the head back or have the child lie down during a nosebleed, as the position may cause the child to swallow blood, which can induce vomiting. Placing ice over the bridge of the nose or forehead may cause a headache. In addition, stuffing the nose with tissue may restart the nosebleed when the tissue is removed.

National Athletic Trainers' Association

To treat a nosebleed, you should first use your thumb and index finger to pinch firmly across the bridge of the nose. Make sure you do not tilt your head backwards, because the blood can drain into your stomach and make you sick. Be sure to keep your head held higher than your heart. You can do this by sitting upright. Hold this position for a minimum of five minutes.

The use of ice is recommended because of its ability to constrict the blood vessels and stop the bleeding. Avoid heat packs, high temperatures, or excessive movement.

If excessive bleeding persists over a long period of time, you may need to seek treatment from a physician.

(This answer provided for NATA by the Georgia College & State University Athletic Training Education Program.)

RealAge

In treating a nosebleed, you can expect the doctor to compress the nostrils even if you did this at home. This usually takes care of the problem. If not, the doctor will do a thorough nasal exam to locate and identify the source of the bleeding. The doctor may use a more invasive method to stop the bleeding.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Nose Disorders

Your nose plays a very important part in maintaining your health. As you breathe it filters out the bad stuff in the air like dust and germs. It also moistens the air as you breathe so that your lungs stay hydrated and healthy. You can be miserable if your nose is injured or irritated, whatever the cause. Nose disorders can range from a simple nosebleed or a runny nose that can be treated at home to more serious disorders such as nasal polyps (growths) or a deviated septum (a twist in the wall that separates the two sides of your nose) that may require surgery. Whatever the cause of your nose problem, it's important to know that you can usually be helped by seeing an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor.

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