How to Stop a Nose Bleed

Nose bleeds can occur near the front of the nose or back. Those near the front can usually be stopped within 20 minutes using the pressure and ice method. If your nose bleed continues, it may be bleeding in the back of the nose and require medical attention.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Clean cloth or dressing
• Ice pack
• Thin medical gloves

1. Put on gloves for sanitary purposes as it prevents the transfer of bodily fluids onto the hands. Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch the nostrils tightly shut.
2. Keep the person's head upright so that blood flows out, not back towards the person's throat, which can cause choking.
3. Continue to hold the nostrils tightly closed for 5 to 10 minutes without releasing pressure.
4. Stop the pressure by releasing the grip on the nostrils gently, and waiting to see if the blood has stopped flowing.
5. Apply an ice pack to the nose and cheeks to help stop the flow of blood. This can be done either while you are starting Step 1 or after Step 4. Cold slows blood flow and helps stop the bleeding.
6. Seek emergency medical help if the nose bleed has not stopped after 20 to 30 minutes of applying direct pressure and ice.

Tips & Warnings

• Put a small coating of moisturizing ointment inside the nose once the bleeding has stopped to help keep it from drying out.
• If the nose has been bleeding for a while and there is a lot of blood in the nose, blow it out thoroughly before starting the steps.
• Don't breathe through the nose while trying to stop the bleeding. Continue breathing through your mouth.
• Don't pick your nose, blow it or put anything else inside it for at least 12 hours after a bleed or it may start up again.