Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)
Date issued: December 2022
Review date: December 2024
Ref: A-521/NB/ED/Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)
PDF: Epistaxis (Nosebleeds) final December 2022.pdf [pdf] 125KB
What causes nosebleeds?
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The common site for a nosebleed is to start in the ‘Littles area’. This is just inside the entrance of the nostril, on the nasal septum (the middle part of the nostril). Here the blood vessels are quite fragile and can rupture easily and for no apparent reason. The bleeding tends to last only a short time and is easy to control.
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Bleeding may be prolonged or harder to stop if you have high blood pressure, heart failure, a blood clotting disorder or are taking ‘blood thinning drugs’ (anticoagulants) such as warfarin, rivaroxaban or aspirin.
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After a nosebleed it is common to get further bleeding. To prevent this, we recommend that for the first 3 days you:
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Do not blow your nose.
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Do not pick your nose as this can disturb clots and cause a nosebleed.
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Avoid VERY hot or spicy food.
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Avoid VERY hot baths and strenuous activities.
What is the treatment for nosebleeds?
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If you are not feeling faint, sit up and lean slightly forward. If you feel faint it is best to lie on your side.
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With a finger and thumb pinch the fleshy end of the nose completely blocking the nostrils. It is useless to put pressure over the nose bones. Usually if you apply light pressure for 20-30 minutes, the bleeding will stop.
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Sucking on an ice cube, a cold flannel, ice pack/compress around the nose and front of face will help. The cold helps the blood vessels close down (constrict) and stop bleeding.
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If any blood goes down your throat, do not swallow it but spit it out into a bowl.
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Seek medical help if it does not stop within 20 minutes.
