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First Aid Procedures for a Nose Bleed

According to the Mayo Clinic, nose bleeds are a common problem. They can usually be stopped with a few simple first aid techniques. Nose bleeds which do not stop should be considered serious, and a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.

  1. Types

    • Among children and young adults, nose bleeds usually originate from just inside the nose. But among older adults and seniors, nose bleeds can begin both from the inside of the nose or from deeper inside the nose. Those bleeds from deep inside the nose can be linked to hardening of the arteries or high blood pressure, and a doctor's help is needed.

    Stay Upright

    • Remain sitting upright to help stop the blood flow. You may want to lean forward a bit to avoid swallowing any blood.

    Pinch the Nose

    • Use your thumb and index finger to pinch the nose at the nostrils. This will send pressure to the septum and help stop the bleeding. Pinching should continue for five to 10 minutes. Breathing can be comfortably done through the mouth.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Once the bleeding has stopped, do not bend down for at least four hours after the nose bleed occurred. Do not blow or pick the nose during the same time period.

    If Bleeding Resumes

    • If the nose starts to bleed again, blow your nose forcefully to clear it of blood clots and then spray it with a decongestant--Afrin or Neo-Synephrine, for example--containing oxymetazoline. This will help the blood clot again.

    Caution

    • If the nose bleeds for more than 20 minutes, or re-bleeds repeatedly, see a doctor. The doctor may pack the nose with gauze or cauterize the blood vessel.

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