For a bloody nose, follow these steps to stop the bleeding effectively:
- Stay calm to avoid increasing blood flow.
- Sit upright and lean slightly forward to prevent blood from flowing down the throat, which can cause nausea or choking.
- Pinch the soft part of your nose (just below the bony bridge) firmly with your thumb and index finger for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing pressure to check if bleeding has stopped.
- Breathe through your mouth while pinching your nose.
- If bleeding continues after the first 10 to 15 minutes, repeat the pinching for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Avoid tilting your head back or lying down, as this can cause blood to run down your throat.
- Do not pack your nose with tissues or other objects, as this can worsen bleeding.
- After bleeding stops, avoid blowing your nose or strenuous activity for at least 24 to 48 hours to allow healing.
- Using a nasal decongestant spray before pinching may help constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding.
- Keep the nasal passages moist with saline sprays or humidifiers to prevent dryness that can cause nosebleeds.
Seek medical attention if:
- The bleeding does not stop after 30 minutes of applying pressure.
- The bleeding is very heavy or causes difficulty breathing.
- You have frequent nosebleeds (more than 3-4 times a week or over 6 times a month).
- You experience other symptoms like high blood pressure, light-headedness, or chest pain.
- You are on blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder.
Medical treatments for persistent or frequent nosebleeds may include cauterization (burning the bleeding vessel), nasal packing, or surgery in rare cases
