Are You Sick?

Nosebleed

Is this your symptom?

Bleeding from 1 or both nostrils
Not caused by an injury

Causes of Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are common because of the rich blood supply of the nose. Common causes include:

Spontaneous Nosebleed. Most nosebleeds start up without a known cause.
Rubbing. Rubbing or picking the nose is the most common known cause. It's hard to not touch or rub the nose.
Blowing. Blowing the nose too hard can cause a nosebleed.
Sinus Infections. The main symptoms are lots of dry snot and a blocked nose. This leads to extra nose blowing and picking. The sinus infection is more often viral than bacterial.
Nose Allergies. The main symptom is a very itchy nose. This leads to extra rubbing and blowing.
Dry Air. Dryness of the nasal lining makes it more likely to bleed. In the winter, forced air heating can dry out the nose.
Allergy Medicines. These help the nasal symptoms, but also dry out the nose.
Ibuprofen and Aspirin. These medicines increase the bleeding tendency.
Cocaine Use. Frequent use of cocaine can lead to nosebleeds. Long-term use can cause a hole in the septum of the nose.
Bleeding Disorder (serious). This means the blood platelets or clotting factors are missing or not working right. A bleeding disorder should be suspected if the nosebleed can't be stopped. Excessive bleeding from the gums or with minor cuts is also a clue. Bleeding disorders are a rare cause of frequent nosebleeds. Taking blood thinners has the same effect.

When to Call for Nosebleed

When to Call for Nosebleed
Call 911 Now Passed out (fainted) or too weak to stand You think you have a life-threatening emergency Call Doctor or Seek Care Now Large amount of blood has been lost New skin bruises or bleeding gums not caused by an injury Taking blood thinning medicine High-risk patient, such as with low platelets or other bleeding disorder You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent	Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent Contact Doctor During Office Hours New onset nosebleeds happen 3 or more times in a week Hard-to-stop nosebleeds are a frequent problem Easy bleeding is present in other family members You have other questions or concerns	Self Care at Home Mild nosebleed

Call 911 Now

Passed out (fainted) or too weak to stand
You think you have a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Large amount of blood has been lost
New skin bruises or bleeding gums not caused by an injury
Taking blood thinning medicine
High-risk patient, such as with low platelets or other bleeding disorder
You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

New onset nosebleeds happen 3 or more times in a week
Hard-to-stop nosebleeds are a frequent problem
Easy bleeding is present in other family members
You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Mild nosebleed

Care Advice for Mild Nosebleed

What You Should Know About Nosebleeds:
- Nosebleeds are common.
- You should be able to stop the bleeding if you use the correct technique.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Squeeze the Lower Nose:
- Gently squeeze the soft parts of the lower nose together. Gently press them against the center wall (septum) for 10 minutes. This puts constant pressure on the bleeding point.
- Use the thumb and index finger in a pinching manner.
- If the bleeding continues, move your point of pressure.
- Sit up or lean forward and breathe through the mouth during this procedure.
- If the bleeding starts again, use the same technique again.
- It may help to place a cool pack on the upper part of the nose.
- You may swallow some blood if your nose is bleeding a lot. Do not be alarmed if you are sick and you see some blood in the vomit.
- Once the bleeding has stopped, avoid blowing or picking your nose.
Put Gauze into the Nose:
- If pressure alone fails, use a piece of gauze. Wet it with a few drops of water. Another option is to put a little petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) on it.
- Insert the wet gauze into the side that is bleeding. Press again for 10 minutes. Reason it works: the gauze puts more pressure on the bleeding spot.
- If you don't have gauze, use a piece of paper towel.
- Repeat the process of gently squeezing the lower soft parts of the nose. Do this for 10 minutes.
Prevent Recurrent Nosebleeds:
- If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier to keep the nose from drying out.
- For nose blowing, blow gently.
- Avoid picking the nose.
- Do not use aspirin and ibuprofen. Reason: increases bleeding tendency.
- Bleeding areas in the front of the nose sometimes develop a scab. It may heal slowly and re-bleed. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the spot. Repeat twice a day. Do not use for more than 1 week.
What to Expect:
- More than 99% of nosebleeds will stop if you press on the right spot.
- It may take 10 minutes of direct pressure.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Can't stop bleeding with 10 minutes of direct pressure done correctly
- You think you need to be seen
- Your symptoms get worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Quick Links