Nosebleeds are a common problem for many of all ages, and for various reasons. To help remedy these nuisances, here’s tips on how to stop a nosebleed and other important need to knows.

How Common Are Nosebleeds?

It’s reported that roughly 60% of adults and 50% of children have nosebleeds, or have had a nosebleed at one point in their life. Altogether, nosebleeds are a common phenomenon and overwhelmingly benign statistically (though it is possible consistent nosebleeds may indicate a deeper issue). To get a handle on these annoying and untimely nosebleeds, let’s look at what commonly causes them.

What Causes a Nosebleed?

At the top of the list of what causes nosebleeds is ‘picking’ (yes, both in adults and in children). Further, dry ambient air which is very common in the winter months is another popular trigger. Rounding off the list of common causes is allergies/colds, trauma, and high blood pressure. All of these disrupt or irritate the blood vessels in the front part of the internal nose called the Kiesselbach’s plexus, resulting in bleeding. With the causalities out of the way, let’s explore how to stop a nosebleed.

How to Stop a Nosebleed

Here’s some practical tips! Even if only one side of your nose is bleeding, pinch both sides of your nose with your thumb and index/middle fingers just above where your nose flares out. Lean forward (not back), and keep steady pressure on your nose for 10-15 minutes. Again, do not lean back or lay down, as doing so is a common misconception. Note that if you spit out blood during this time, that is completely normal.

After about 10-15 minutes, release the pressure and see if the bleeding has stopped. As tempting as it may be, it’s important you do NOT blow your nose at this point. If the bleeding continues, repeat the pinch maneuver for another 10-15 minutes. If the bleeding still persists after this, it’s time to visit your nearest Next Level Urgent Care!

Closing Thoughts

If you are elderly, taking blood thinners, or if your have a bleeding disorder, you will want to head to the emergency room should a nosebleed arise. While in route, you can pinch your nose as described above. If you or your child has a tendency to have nosebleeds, we would recommend keeping your mucous membranes moisturized with either a humidifier in your home or saline nose sprays, and, if applicable, minimize nose picking. No judgement here!