Story by: Norton Healthcare on November 9, 2021
What to do for a nosebleed: Sit down, place tissues under your nose and pinch just above your nostrils and just below the bone. Hold it for at least 10 to 15 minutes – you’ll probably have to switch hands a few times, but try to maintain constant pressure.
If blood is draining down your throat, you can lean forward to send it into your nose, but try to stay upright to avoid increasing blood pressure in your nostrils.
What not to do for a nosebleed: Don’t try to pack your nose with tissues or cotton, which could cause an infection. Try not to blow your nose for a few hours, because this could cause bleeding to start again.
Nosebleeds most often affect kids between ages 2 and 10, older adults, pregnant people, those with hemophilia or other clotting disorders, and those on blood-thinning medications.
If you can’t stop the bleeding after 15 minutes of nonstop pressure, have a clotting disorder or are taking blood thinners such as warfarin and the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek medical attention.
Seek medical attention for an infant under age 2 or for nosebleeds that happen frequently.
When you need urgent care for a minor illness or injury, find the nearest Norton Immediate Care Center.
During colder months, indoor heat can dry out the inside of the nose and make nosebleeds more likely. A humidifier may help.
Reviewed by Mary Rademaker, M.D., medical director of Norton Immediate Care Centers.
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