Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)
Most nosebleeds are harmless and stop with simple first aid at home. But frequent, heavy, or hard-to-stop nosebleeds deserve an ENT assessment to find and treat the source.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Marwan Alhalalmeh, ENT Specialist · Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Overview
A nosebleed (epistaxis) happens when one of the many small blood vessels inside the nose breaks and bleeds. Most start at the front of the nose (anterior) and are easy to control; a smaller number come from deeper inside (posterior) and need medical care. Common triggers include nose-picking or blowing, dry air, colds and allergies, an injury, and blood-thinning medication. Most nosebleeds can be stopped at home: sit up, lean forward, and pinch the soft part of the nose for ten to fifteen minutes. When bleeding is frequent or will not stop, an ENT specialist can examine the nose, find the bleeding point, and seal it — often with a simple in-clinic cautery — as well as check for any underlying cause.
How to stop a nosebleed
- Sit up and lean slightly forward, not back
- Pinch the soft part of the nose, just below the bony bridge
- Hold firmly for ten to fifteen minutes without letting go to check
- Breathe through your mouth and stay calm
- A covered ice pack on the bridge of the nose may help
- Avoid blowing, picking, or bending down for several hours afterwards
When to see a doctor
- Bleeding that does not stop after fifteen minutes of pressure
- Heavy bleeding, or blood you are swallowing or vomiting
- Nosebleeds that keep coming back over weeks
- Bleeding while taking blood-thinning medication
- A nosebleed after a significant injury, or with dizziness and weakness
Treatment options
- Examination of the nose, with an endoscope when needed, to find the bleeding point
- Cautery — sealing the vessel with silver nitrate or heat — usually in clinic
- Nasal packing to control a heavier or posterior bleed
- Treating contributing causes such as dryness, allergy, or infection
- Reviewing blood-thinning medication and checking for any underlying disorder
Common questions
How do I stop a nosebleed correctly?
Sit up, lean forward, and pinch the soft part of the nose for ten to fifteen minutes without releasing to check. Leaning forward, not back, stops blood draining into the throat. If it has not stopped after fifteen minutes, seek medical help.
Why should I lean forward and not tip my head back?
Tipping the head back lets blood run down the throat, which can be swallowed and cause vomiting, and hides whether the bleeding has stopped. Leaning forward lets the blood drain out so you can control it safely.
When are frequent nosebleeds a concern?
Occasional nosebleeds are usually harmless. Nosebleeds that recur over weeks, are heavy, come from one side, or happen on blood-thinning medication should be checked by an ENT specialist to find and treat the source.
What is nasal cautery?
Cautery seals the small bleeding vessel using silver nitrate or heat after numbing the nose. It is a quick, common in-clinic treatment for a repeatedly bleeding spot at the front of the nose.
Can dry air cause nosebleeds?
Yes. Dry air, heating, and air conditioning dry the lining of the nose and make the vessels crack and bleed. Saline spray or a thin layer of ointment, and humidifying the air, all help prevent this.
Further reading
General information about this topic from an independent health authority:
NHSIf nosebleeds keep returning or are hard to stop, Dr. Marwan can find the source and treat it — often in a single clinic visit.
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