Nosebleeds - Advice for Patients

Patient information leaflets
NHS Borders

NHS Borders 

ENT Department
Borders General Hospital
Melrose
TD6 9BS
Telephone 01896 826133

"Information given on this site is not meant to take the place of a talk with your doctor or health worker."

Some facts

  • Nosebleeds can affect anybody and can happen without warning
  • Most nosebleeds are mere nuisances, but can still be frightening
  • Nosebleeds are more serious for elderly people

Section 1

Here are some useful first aid steps for adults and children to follow.

  1. You will need a bowl and tissues
  2. Sit down
  3. Lean FORWARD, ideally over a sink or table
  4. Pinch the soft LOWER part of the nose between thumb and forefinger.  See diagram below
  5. Pinch your nose for 15 minutes.  Do not release the pressure in less than 15 minutes 
  6. Do not pinch on any bony sections of the nose
  7. Do NOT tilt your head backwards
  8. Do NOT put cotton wool or tissues into the nostrils
  9. Spit out any blood
  10. Put ice or a bag of frozen peas over your forehead

Section 2

Once the bleeding has stopped:

1a. Put a teaspoonful Vaseline into the nostril that was bleeding the three times a day for 5 days.

Or

1b. Wear a nasal bolster for 48 hours

2.    Rest in bed for 48 hours

3.    Rest at home for the next five days
        - Do not pick or blow your nose
        - Do not bend down, strain, exercise or lift anything heavy
        - Avoid hot food and drinks, alcohol and smoking

Section 3

If the bleeding does not stop:

1.    Clear your nose gently

2.    Do the first aid steps again, see Section 1

3.    Contact your GP

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 03/07/2024

Next review date: 30/09/2026

Author(s): Carr E.

Author email(s): esmond.carr@nhs.scot.

Approved By: Clinical Governance & Quality

Reviewer name(s): Carr E.