Injuries

Nosebleed

For a nosebleed, sit forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10–15 minutes, breathing through the mouth.

When to call 999. Call 999 or go to A&E if bleeding is very heavy, does not stop after 20–30 minutes of pressure, follows a serious head injury, or the person feels faint or is struggling to breathe. Seek advice for frequent nosebleeds.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Sit the person down and lean them forwards, not backwards, so blood does not run down the throat.
  2. Pinch the soft part of the nose, just below the bony bridge, firmly.
  3. Hold the pinch continuously for 10–15 minutes while breathing through the mouth.
  4. Encourage them to spit out any blood in the mouth rather than swallowing it.
  5. After 10–15 minutes, release gently. If it is still bleeding, pinch again for another 10–15 minutes.
  6. Applying a covered ice pack to the bridge of the nose or the back of the neck may help.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not tilt the head back (this sends blood down the throat and can cause vomiting), do not lie down, do not pack the nostril yourself, and avoid blowing, picking or bending down for a while afterwards.

Afterwards and while you wait

Once bleeding stops, rest quietly and avoid blowing the nose, hot drinks, alcohol, heavy lifting or strenuous activity for around 24 hours to prevent it restarting. See a GP if nosebleeds keep happening or are linked to bruising or medicines.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Nosebleed: frequently asked questions

Should I tip my head back during a nosebleed?

No. Leaning forward is safer, as tilting back lets blood run down the throat, which can cause choking, vomiting or make it hard to judge how much bleeding there is.

How long should I pinch my nose?

Pinch the soft part continuously for 10 to 15 minutes without letting go to check. If it is still bleeding, repeat once more; if it continues beyond about 20–30 minutes, seek medical help.

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance
  • Resuscitation Council UK (where relevant)

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