Nosebleed
6-minute read
Key facts
- Having a nosebleed is very common, especially in children and in older people.
- Nosebleeds are also called epistaxis.
- Most nosebleeds get better with first aid measures.
- To help stop a nosebleed, lean forward (not back) and firmly pinch the nose below the bony part for 10 minutes.
- Sometimes nosebleeds are due to another medical problem.
What are nosebleeds?
Bleeding from your nose is also known as a nosebleed. The medical word for a nosebleed is 'epistaxis.'
Nosebleeds are very common, especially in children and older people.
Most nosebleeds are mild and do not last long.
Nosebleeds can be distressing for children, but the bleeding can usually be easily stopped with first aid. Most nosebleeds do not need special treatment.
What symptoms are related to nosebleeds?
You may have sudden bleeding from one or both nostrils.
Some people with nosebleeds may have a have a blood disorder. Other symptoms of a blood disorder can be:
- tiredness
- bruising
- repeated infections
You should see your doctor if you have these symptoms.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds are caused when the tiny blood vessels on the inside of your nose break. This causes bleeding. The blood comes out of your nose. It can come from one or both nostrils.
Nosebleeds can happen if you:
- pick your nose
- blow your nose too hard
- receive a bump, knock or blow to the head or face
- strain too hard on the toilet
- are in hot or cold weather with low humidity
- have an object in your nose (usually seen in children)
Nosebleeds can also be related to:
- an infection in your nose, such as a cold
- hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
- some types of medicines, including anti-inflammatory medicines, blood thinners or some nose sprays
- use of cocaine
Nosebleeds can also happen with some medical conditions, such as:
- nasal polyps
- sinusitis
- leukaemia
- blood disorders that cause problems with blood clotting
You are also more likely to get nosebleeds when you are pregnant.
When should I see my doctor?
Nosebleeds can be a nuisance but they're usually not serious. If you have frequent, persistent (long lasting) or very heavy nosebleeds, you should talk to your doctor.
When to seek urgent care
See your doctor as soon as you can if:
- you are injured
- there is very heavy bleeding
- you are having trouble breathing or have chest pain
- you feel dizzy or lightheaded
- the nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes
- a child younger than 2 years has a nosebleed
- you are vomiting blood
It's important to seek urgent medical attention if you have a nosebleed while taking blood thinning medicines.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is the cause of nosebleeds diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your recent health. They'll also ask what medical conditions you have and what medicines you take.
Your doctor will check your nose and might do a general examination.
In some cases, blood tests may be needed to see if a health problem is causing your nosebleeds.
Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist doctor.
How are nosebleeds treated?
Try to stay calm if you have a nosebleed. Most nosebleeds can be treated at home with simple self-care.
A child with a nosebleed might feel scared or upset. Try to comfort and reassure your child. Tell them that nosebleeds happen a lot and many kids get them.
Self-care at home
To stop a nosebleed:
- Sit up and lean forward.
- Apply firm pressure to the outside of both nostrils (the lower, soft part of your nose).
- Keep pinching the nostrils for 10 minutes.
- Breathe through your mouth and spit out any blood that goes into your mouth.
- You can put a cold compress around your nose or on the front of your face.
Don't pinch the bony part (bridge) of your nose. Don't lean your head backwards.
After 10 minutes, see if your nose is still bleeding. If the bleeding starts again, repeat the steps above for another 10 minutes.
While you are holding your nostrils, try having a cold drink or sucking on some ice cubes.
When the bleeding has stopped:
- Try not to pick or blow your nose, even if it feels uncomfortable — this may cause another nosebleed.
- Avoid any strenuous activity, like playing sports, for 24 hours after the bleeding stops.
- Avoid hot food, hot drinks and hot showers and baths for at least 24 hours.
- Don't pack your nostrils with tissues or cotton wool.
Other treatment options
If a nosebleed is very heavy and does not stop after 20 minutes of pressure, you need to go to your nearest emergency department. You may need treatment with:
- a nose spray, cream or ointment to constrict (close) the blood vessels in your nose
- packing with special dressings
- a procedure to seal off a bleeding blood vessel
If your nosebleeds keep happening and become a problem, you may need more treatment. The treatment may involve surgery to close off the blood vessels in the nose. Talk to your doctor about your options.
Can nosebleeds be prevented?
In some cases, nosebleeds can be prevented. It depends on the cause.
You can help prevent some nosebleeds by:
- not picking your nose
- blowing your nose gently
- using a humidifier and putting a small amount of lubricant, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline), inside your nostrils to prevent them drying out
Treating underlying conditions such as hay fever may also help prevent a nosebleed.
What are the complications of nosebleeds?
If you swallow blood from a nosebleed, you may feel sick and vomit.
Rarely, nosebleeds can cause serious blood loss.
Frequent, heavy nosebleeds may cause anaemia.
Resources and support
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has more information about nosebleeds in children.
If you want to learn first aid try one of the many courses available through providers like:
You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.