Nosebleed

Nosebleeds aren't usually a sign of anything serious. They're common, particularly in children, and most can be easily treated at home.

Non-urgent advice:See a GP if:

• a child under 2 years old has a nosebleed
• you have regular nosebleeds
• you have symptoms of anaemia – such as a faster heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath and pale skin
• you're taking a blood-thinning medicine, such as warfarin
• you have a condition that means your blood can't clot properly, such as haemophilia

Your GP might want to test you for haemophilia or for other conditions such as anaemia.

Immediate action required:Go to A&E if:

• your nosebleed lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes
• the bleeding seems excessive
• you're swallowing a large amount of blood that makes you vomit
• the bleeding started after a blow to your head
• you're feeling weak or dizzy
• you're having difficulty breathing

Causes of a nosebleed

The inside of the nose is delicate and nosebleeds happen when it's damaged. This can be caused by:

• picking your nose
• blowing your nose too hard
• the inside of your nose being too dry (because of a change in air temperature)

Nosebleeds that need medical attention can come from deeper inside the nose and usually affect adults. They can be caused by:

• an injury or broken nose
• high blood pressure
• conditions that affect the blood vessels or how the blood clots
• certain medicines, like warfarin

Sometimes the cause of a nosebleed is unknown.

Certain people are more prone to getting nosebleeds, including:

• children (they usually grow out of them by 11)
• elderly people
• pregnant women

How to stop a nosebleed yourself

You should:

• sit or stand upright (don't lie down)
• pinch your nose just above your nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes
• lean forward and breathe through your mouth
• place an icepack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a teatowel) at the top of your nose

How to treat a nosebleed

Media last reviewed: 1 June 2017
Media review due: 1 June 2020

Hospital treatment

If doctors can see where the blood is coming from they may seal it by pressing a stick with a chemical on it to stop the bleeding.

If this isn't possible, doctors might pack your nose with sponges to stop the bleeding. You may need to stay in hospital for a day or two.

When a nosebleed stops

After a nosebleed, for 24 hours try not to:

• blow your nose
• pick your nose
• drink hot drinks or alcohol
• do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise
• pick any scabs