To stop a nosebleed, follow these effective first aid steps:
- Sit down and lean slightly forward to prevent blood from running down your throat, which can cause nausea or choking. Breathe through your mouth during this process.
- Use your thumb and index finger to firmly pinch the soft part of your nose, just below the bony bridge, completely closing both nostrils.
- Maintain this pressure continuously for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing it to check if the bleeding has stopped.
- If bleeding continues after the first 10 to 15 minutes, repeat the pinching for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Avoid tilting your head back, lying down, or stuffing your nose with tissues or other objects, as these can worsen bleeding or cause complications.
- After the bleeding stops, do not blow your nose or insert anything inside for several hours to allow healing.
If the nosebleed does not stop after two attempts of applying pressure for 10 to 15 minutes each, or if bleeding is very heavy, seek medical attention promptly
. Additional tips to prevent nosebleeds include keeping the nasal passages moist with saline sprays or gels, using a humidifier in dry environments, avoiding nose picking, and managing allergies or nasal irritation
