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Treatment of Nosebleed

If you are having a nosebleed you should:

  • Sit down and firmly pinch the soft part of your nasal cavity, just above your nostrils, together for 10 minutes.
  • Lean forward and breathe through your mouth.
  • Maintain the pressure on your nose for 15 minutes (time this on the clock) so that the blood clots.
  • The bleeding should stop and not start again, unless your nose is knocked or picked.
  • Avoid blowing your nose and strenuous activity for at least 12 hours after a nosebleed.

See your GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 if the bleeding is extremely heavy or if it does not stop after maintaining pressure for 20-30 minutes.

If your nosebleed does not stop and you see a medical professional they may pack your nose with ribbon gauze or ice. After the bleeding has stopped and your nose is unpacked, it will be thoroughly examined (you will probably have an anaesthetic beforehand) and may be x-rayed. The doctor may check your blood pressure and pulse rate, to see if there is anything abnormal. You may also have a test to see if your blood is clotting properly.

Once the bleeding has stopped, you must avoid any over exertion for 1-2 weeks.

Surgery for recurring nosebleeds:

A minor procedure to cauterise ('burn') the place where the bleeding is coming from can be successful in stopping recurring nosebleeds. This involves touching the bleeding area with a wool swab moistened with a corrosive chemical. If you have bleeding blood vessels, endoscopic surgery (using very fine instruments) can tie off the ends of the vessels to stop the bleeding.

If the bleeding vessel is very far back in the nose, or difficult to compress more major surgery may be required. In rare cases, the main artery from which the bleeding branch arises is tied off. A blood transfusion also may be necessary.

If your nasal septum is deviated (crooked), you may need to have an operation to straighten it.

Bleeding in children, arising from persistent crusting of the insides of the nostrils, is best treated using an antiseptic cream or softening ointment such as petroleum jelly.