HealthInfo Canterbury
Nosebleed first aid
- Sit up straight, hold your head forward and breathe through your mouth. Don't lie down or lean back.
- Pinch the soft lower part of your nose firmly for at least 10 minutes. Don't pinch the upper part of your nose over the bone.
- You can also hold a cold compress against your nose.
- Try not to speak, cough or sniff.
If the bleeding is heavy or doesn't stop within 20 minutes, keep applying pressure to your nose and see a doctor urgently.
Don't blow your nose for a few hours after the bleeding stops, as it might start again.
Rest and avoid straining or bending for one or two days after a nosebleed. If you need to sneeze, try to sneeze with your mouth open, to avoid straining your nose.
Important
If someone has a bleeding nose or fluid dripping from their nose after a head injury, phone 111 for an ambulance urgently. They may have a fractured (broken) skull.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2020.
SourcesReview key: HINBC-16619
