Nosebleeds (medically known as epistaxis) are fairly common, particularly in children and moms-to-be. They almost always respond to home treatment and are rarely serious. However, in very rare cases, they can be life threatening, particularly in the elderly and other people whose blood may take longer to clot, because the blood loss is harder to stem.

There are lots of tiny blood vessels inside the nose, and the lining can be sensitive. A nose may bleed because of picking (which is why children get frequent nosebleeds) or even being blown too hard. Knocks to the nose frequently result in nosebleeds. Sometimes the nasal membrane (lining) dries out because of infection or dry air conditioning, and this makes it more vulnerable to bleeding. Frequent nosebleeds can be a sign of high blood pressure, so if you get them more than weekly, make an appointment with your doctor or practice nurse to have your blood pressure checked. If your health professional suspects another underlying problem, you may be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultant for tests.

What are the symptoms of Nosebleeds?

Flow of blood, whether light or heavy, from one or – less usually - both nostrils, lasting from a few seconds to 10 minutes or so.

Seek medical help if the bleeding is very heavy, you have palpitations, breathlessness, you turn pale, or you swallow large amounts of blood that makes you vomit.

What are the treatments and remedies of Nosebleeds?

You should make sure the patient leans forwards with their head tilted downwards – not upwards, as this encourages blood to run down the back of the throat and provoke a choking episode. The most effective treatment is to pinch the soft part of the nose, just below the bridge, firmly for 10 minutes solidly. If the blood flow hasn't stemmed by then, repeat the process for a further 10 minutes. If, after 20 minutes, your nose continues to bleed or the bleeding becomes more severe, contact your health professional or go to the hospital.

Once the bleeding has stopped, try not to blow your nose, and remain as upright as possible, without physically exerting yourself, for the next 12 hours if possible. If your child has had a nosebleed, try to encourage quieter play and rest until bedtime.

Petroleum jelly can soften the crust inside the nose, which is a common problem in childhood. This can help reduce the urge to pick the crust off, reducing the chance of a nosebleed.

If you have frequent nosebleeds and are on blood thinning medication such as warfarin, consult your doctor without delay.

This guide

This article is not meant to substitute medical advice provided by a practicing medical professional - if you have any concerns, contact your physician immediately.