HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Nosebleed first aid
Whakarauora ihutoto
- Sit up straight, hold your head forward and breathe through your mouth. Do not lie down or lean back.
- Pinch the soft lower part of your nose firmly for at least 10 minutes. Do not 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 does not stop within 20 minutes, keep applying pressure to your nose and see a health professional urgently.
Do not 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 October 2023.
SourcesReview key: HINBC-16619
