NOSEBLEED

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

Care Advice for Nosebleed

  1. Sit up and lean forward, to keep the blood from running down the back of your throat.
  2. Apply Pressure: Gently squeeze the lower soft parts of the nose against the center wall for 15 minutes. (Goal: apply continuous pressure to the bleeding point.) Use your thumb and your index finger in a pinching manner. If the bleeding continues, move your point of pressure and repeat again for another 15 minutes.

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD NOSEBLEED

  1. Sit up and lean forward, to keep the blood from running down the back of your throat.
  2. Apply Pressure: Gently squeeze the lower soft parts of the nose against the center wall for 15 minutes. (Goal: apply continuous pressure to the bleeding point.) Use your thumb and your index finger in a pinching manner. If the bleeding continues, move your point of pressure and repeat again for another 15 minutes.
  3. Decongestant Nose Drops: If applying pressure fails, insert a gauze wet with decongestant nose drops (or petroleum jelly).  (Reason: the gauze helps to apply pressure and the nose drops shrink the blood vessels) Then repeat the process of gently squeezing the lower nose for 10 minutes.
    • Decongestant nose drops (e.g. phenylephrine/Neo-Synephrine) are available over the counter.
    • Do not take this medication if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or prostate enlargement.
    • Do not use this medication for more than 3 days. (Reason: excessive decongestant use can rebound nasal congestion.)
    • Read and follow the package instructions carefully.
  4. Prevention:
    • If the air is dry, use a humidifier in your bedroom to keep the nose from drying out.
    • Apply petroleum jelly to the center wall (septum) inside the nose twice daily to reduce cracking and to promote healing.
    • Avoid blowing the nose.
    • Avoid touching your nose and nose picking.
    • Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve), unless you have been instructed to by your physician.
  5. Expected Course: Over 99% of nosebleeds will stop following 15 minutes of direct pressure if you press on the right spot. After swallowing blood from a nosebleed, you may feel nauseated because the blood can irritate your stomach. You may also later pass a dark stool that contains the blood.
  6. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Unable to stop the bleeding with 20 minutes of direct pressure
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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