Topic Overview

Most nosebleeds are not serious and can be stopped with home treatment. About 90% of nosebleeds occur in the front of the nose (anterior epistaxis) and involve only one nostril. Some blood may drain down the back of the nose into the throat. Common causes of nosebleeds are:

Blowing or picking the nose.
Low humidity environments.
Colds, allergies, or sinus infections.
Injury to the nose.
Medications that affect blood clotting, such as warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirin.
Medications that dry out the nasal passages, such as cold and allergy medications.
High altitude.
Nasal abuse of drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines.
An object inserted in the nose.
Piercing the nose.
Chemical fumes.
A less common but more serious type of nosebleed starts in the back of the nose (posterior epistaxis) and often involves both nostrils. Large amounts of blood may run down the back of the throat. Posterior epistaxis may occur more frequently in older adults because of other health conditions they may have. Medical treatment may be needed to control the bleeding from posterior epistaxis.

Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a health professional.

Home Treatment

How to stop a nosebleed
Follow these steps to stop a nosebleed:

Sit up straight and tip your head slightly forward. Tilting the head back may cause blood to run down the back of your throat and you may swallow it. Swallowed blood can irritate your stomach and cause vomiting. To avoid this, spit out blood that gathers in your mouth and throat rather than swallowing it.
Blow all the clots out of your nose. This may require fairly forceful blowing, and the bleeding may increase when clots come out of the nose.
After blowing out the clots, firmly pinch the soft part of your nose shut between your thumb and forefinger and breathe through your mouth. The nose consists of a hard bony part and a softer part made of cartilage. Nosebleeds usually occur in the soft part.
Apply an ice pack to your nose and cheeks. Cold will constrict the blood vessels and help stop the bleeding.
Keep pinching for a full 10 minutes. Use a clock to time the 10 minutes. It can seem like a long time. Resist the urge to peek after a few minutes to see if your nose has stopped bleeding.
Check to see if your nose is still bleeding after 10 minutes. If it is, hold it for 10 more minutes. Most nosebleeds will stop after 20 to 30 minutes of direct pressure.
Stay quiet for a few hours. Do not blow your nose or put anything inside your nose, except a light coating of a moisturizing ointment, such as Vaseline, for at least 12 hours after the bleeding has stopped.
After you have stopped a nosebleed, the following tips may prevent a nosebleed from recurring.

Avoid forceful nose-blowing.
Avoid putting your finger in your nose to remove crusts.
Avoid lifting or straining after a nosebleed.
Elevate your head while sleeping.
Apply a light coating of a moisturizing ointment, such as Vaseline, to the inside of your nose with the tip of your little finger.
Do not use aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium) for 3 to 4 days. Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol, may be used to relieve pain.
Do not use nonprescription antihistamines, decongestants, and medicated nasal sprays.
Do not smoke. Smoking slows healing. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
If you have had an injury to your nose, go to the topic Nose Injuries .

Children with nosebleeds
Crying increases the blood flow to the face and makes bleeding from the nose worse. If your child has a nosebleed and is crying, speak in a quiet, relaxed manner to help control your child's fear.
Make sure to check for an object in the nostrils. If an object is found, go to the topic Objects in the Nose.
Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:
Nosebleed cannot be stopped after 30 minutes of direct pressure.
Nosebleeds recur 4 or more times in 1 week after trying prevention measures.
Nosebleeds become more severe or more frequent.