To stop a nosebleed, follow these steps:
- Sit up straight and lean slightly forward. This prevents blood from flowing down your throat, which can cause nausea or choking
- Pinch the soft part of your nose (just below the bony bridge) firmly using your thumb and index finger. Keep the nostrils closed completely
- Breathe through your mouth while pinching your nose and maintain the pressure continuously for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing to check. This pressure helps stop the bleeding by compressing the blood vessels
- After 10 to 15 minutes, release the pinch slowly. If bleeding continues, repeat the pinching for another 10 to 15 minutes
- Avoid lying down, tilting your head back, or blowing your nose immediately after bleeding stops, as these can worsen or restart bleeding
Additional tips:
- Use a saline nasal spray or apply a thin layer of nasal gel or petroleum jelly inside your nostrils to keep them moist and prevent dryness that can cause nosebleeds
- Use a cool mist humidifier in dry environments to maintain nasal moisture
- Avoid picking or blowing your nose forcefully after a nosebleed
Seek medical help if:
- Bleeding lasts longer than 20 to 30 minutes despite applying pressure
- Bleeding is very heavy or you have difficulty breathing
- Nosebleeds occur frequently (several times a week or more)
- You are on blood-thinning medications or have other health conditions affecting bleeding
Following these steps effectively stops most nosebleeds and helps prevent recurrence.
