Minor
Nosebleed
Sit upright, lean forward, and firmly pinch the soft part of the nose for at least 10 minutes. Seek medical aid if bleeding persists after 20 minutes or follows a head injury.
Sit upright, lean forward, and firmly pinch the soft part of the nose for at least 10 minutes. Seek medical aid if bleeding persists after 20 minutes or follows a head injury.
What to do
- Sit the person up and lean them slightly forward (not back — blood in the stomach causes vomiting).
- Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly, just below the bridge, for at least 10 minutes without releasing.
- Apply a cold pack to the forehead or back of the neck.
- Tell the person to breathe through the mouth and spit out any blood.
- After 10 minutes, release gently. If still bleeding, pinch for another 10 minutes.
Seek medical aid if
- Bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes
- Bleeding follows a head injury
- The person is on blood-thinning medication
- Heavy bleeding makes them feel faint
- Frequent recurring nosebleeds
After the bleed
- Do not blow the nose for several hours.
- Avoid hot drinks and strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
Questions & answers
Should I tip my head back?
No — tip the head slightly forward so blood doesn't run down the throat and cause vomiting.
How long should I pinch my nose?
Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for a full 10 minutes without releasing. Repeat once if needed.
When should a nosebleed be seen by a doctor?
If it doesn't stop after 20 minutes, follows a head injury, you're on blood-thinning medication, or the bleeding is heavy enough to make you feel faint.
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