Nosebleeds: How to Stop and Prevent Them
By: Dr. Madeleine S. Herman, MD, MPH, FAAOA
Insta: Doctor.Nose.Best
It's getting colder and dryer outside, which means... it's nose bleed season!
Nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, are common—especially when the air is dry. Dry nasal passages can become irritated and develop small cracks that bleed easily. Nose picking, rubbing, allergies, nasal sprays, and frequent nose blowing can make the problem worse.
The good news? Most nosebleeds can be stopped at home with a few simple steps.
What to Do When Your Nose Is Bleeding
1. Use Afrin (oxymetazoline)
If you have Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray available, spray it into the bleeding nostril. Oxymetazoline constricts the blood vessels in the nose and can help slow or stop the bleeding.
2. Pinch the soft part of your nose
Sit upright and lean slightly forward over a sink. Using your thumb and index finger, firmly pinch the soft, fleshy part of the front of your nose—not the hard bridge.
Hold continuous pressure for 10 full minutes. Set a timer!
It is important not to let go early to check if the bleeding has stopped. Releasing pressure too soon can disrupt the developing blood clot and cause the bleeding to start again.
3. If the bleeding is heavy
If the bleeding is brisk and nasal spray alone isn't enough, you can spray Afrin onto a cotton ball or small piece of gauze and gently place it in the front of the bleeding nostril. Then pinch the soft part of your nose firmly over it for 10 minutes.
4. Keep your head forward
Don't lean your head back. Leaning backward allows blood to run down your throat. While swallowing blood generally isn't dangerous, it can cause nausea or an upset stomach.
Instead, sit upright and lean forward over a sink or basin.
How to Prevent Nosebleeds
Once you've had a nosebleed, keeping the inside of your nose moisturized can help prevent another one.
Keep your nose moist
Use a saline nasal spray or saline nasal gel regularly, particularly during dry weather.
Applying saline gel to the front portion of the nose can help keep the nasal lining from becoming dry and cracked.
A cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom at night can also add moisture to the air while you sleep.
Avoid irritating your nose
Try to avoid:
Picking, rubbing, or scratching your nose
Putting tissues or Q-tips inside your nose
Blowing your nose forcefully
Excessive manipulation of the nasal passages
If you use nasal sprays, make sure you are using them correctly. Some sprays can irritate or dry the nasal lining when used improperly or too frequently.
When Should You See an ENT for Nosebleeds?
Occasional nosebleeds are usually not a cause for concern. However, you should see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) if you experience:
Frequent or recurrent nosebleeds
Bleeding that is difficult to stop
Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Nosebleeds primarily from one side
Nosebleeds associated with nasal obstruction or other nasal symptoms
Nosebleeds while taking blood-thinning medication
An ENT can examine the inside of your nose to determine where the bleeding is coming from and whether there is an underlying cause that needs treatment. In some cases, a visible blood vessel can be treated with nasal cautery to help prevent recurrent bleeding.
When Is a Nosebleed an Emergency?
If you have heavy bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes of firm, continuous pressure, feel faint or weak, are having difficulty breathing, or are losing a significant amount of blood, seek urgent medical attention.
Still Having Nosebleeds?
If dry air, saline, and humidification aren't enough—or you're dealing with recurrent nosebleeds—we can help.
SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston
SCENT Houston - Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston
📍2450 Fondren Rd, Houston,TX
📞 (833)SCENT-MD
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