Nosebleed
Nosebleeds are not a sign of anything severe, usually. They are still common among children and highly treatable.
Nosebleed causes
The nose has a delicate inside, which bleeds when the inside is damaged. The common causes are:
- Nose picking
- Blowing nose too hard
- Change of temperature that can make the nose inside dry
- Broken nose
- Nose injury
- Blood clots or conditions that affect blood vessels
- Certain medications
Some reasons behind nosebleeds are still unknown. Pregnant women, children, and older people are more prone to nosebleeds.
How to stop a nosebleed?
- Sit down and lean forward
- Pinch your nose above the nostrils for 10–15 minutes
- Breathe through the mouth
Holding an ice pack may also help reduce blood flow, but the evidence suggests it doesn’t work very strong.
Consult a doctor if
- A child under age 2 starts bleeding
- Regular nosebleeds
- Symptoms of anemia
- Consuming blood-thinning medicines
- If you have hemophilia, which doesn’t let blood clot properly
- Bleeds more than 10–15 minutes
- Excessive bleeding
- Vomit due to swallowing a large amount of blood
- Feeling dizzy or week
- Having difficulty in breathing
When your nosebleed stops
For 24 hours, do not try:
- To blow your nose
- Pick your nose
- Drink anything hot or alcohol
- Don’t lift anything heavy
- Pick any scabs
To explore your health concerns in detail and receive expert advice, you can easily access our free doctor consultation service, designed to provide you with the support you need.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 23 JUNE 2022