How to Manage a Nose Bleed

A nose bleed happens when you lose blood from tissue that lines your nose. Bleeding usually occurs from one side only, however, bleeding from both nostrils is not unusual. Most nose bleeds occur due to irritation from picking, rubbing, or blowing your nose, dry air, or from colds. Nose bleeds can look frightening, however, they are very common and rarely dangerous. The lining of your nose is rich with blood vessels, so even a minor irritation can trigger a moderate amount of bleeding. There are steps you can take to manage a nose bleed.

Things You'll Need

• Cold compress
• Ice pack

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Instructions

• 1

  Sit down and apply pressure. While sitting, gently squeeze your nose to keep your nostrils closed for 10 minutes. Breath through your mouth and lean forward so you do not swallow blood. Do not check the bleeding for a full 10 minutes because you need to allow enough time for the bleeding to stop.

• 2

  Apply a cold compress. Place a cold compress over the bridge of your nose for 10 minutes. Gently apply pressure, but do not press too hard.

• 3

  Try ice. An ice pack can be effective in managing your nose bleed by constricting the blood vessels. When the blood vessels in your nasal lining start to constrict, your bleeding will begin to subside. A small package of frozen vegetables works well as a makeshift ice pack. Gently apply the ice pack to the bridge of your nose for 10 to 15 minutes.

• 4

  Never use packing. Packing your nose with gauze will not allow the blood to flow freely from your nose, and will cause a collection of blood and clots to form in your nasal passages.

• 5

  Do not blow your nose. Never blow your nose until several hours have passed. Blowing your nose too soon may activate the bleeding again.