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Nosebleed treatment

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Nosebleed
Nosebleed

Alternative Names    Return to top

Treatment - nosebleed

Information    Return to top

To stop a typical nosebleed, sit down and gently squeeze the soft portion of the nose between your thumb and finger (so that the nostrils are closed) for about 5 - 10 minutes. Lean forward to avoid swallowing the blood and breathe through your mouth.

Wait at least 5 minutes before checking if the bleeding has stopped. Almost all nose bleeds can be controlled in this way if you allow enough time for the bleeding to stop.

It may help to apply cold compresses or ice across the bridge of the nose. Do NOT pack the inside of the nose with gauze.

See also: Nosebleeds

References    Return to top

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005.

Kucik CJ, Clenney T. Management of epistaxis. Am Fam Physician. 2005;71(2):305-311.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Update Date: 1/23/2008

Updated by: Alden J. Pearl, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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