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mildHead & face

Nosebleed

Nosebleeds look far scarier than they are. Nearly all of them stop on their own with patience and the right position.

For children:

  • Step 3Hold for a full 10 to 15 minutes: Count together or put on a song. Distraction is your biggest tool with children.
Steps

5 steps

  1. 1

    Sit upright — lean slightly forward

    Do not lean back. Leaning forward prevents blood from going down the throat, which causes nausea, vomiting, or in large amounts, stomach upset.

    Important: Never tilt the head back. This is the most common and harmful mistake with nosebleeds.
  2. 2

    Pinch the soft lower part of the nose

    Firmly pinch the fleshy, soft part below the bony bridge. Breathe through your mouth.

    Tip: Squeezing the hard bony part accomplishes nothing. Pinch below that — the soft, moveable part.
  3. 3

    Hold for a full 10 to 15 minutes

    Set a timer. Don't peek before it goes off. Every time you release early you break the clot and restart the clock. It always feels longer than it is.

  4. 4

    Cold compress on the bridge

    A cold wet cloth pressed on the bridge of the nose helps constrict blood vessels and slow bleeding.

  5. 5

    Rest after it stops

    No blowing the nose, bending over, or exercise for at least 4 hours. Blowing too soon almost always restarts the bleed.

    Important: Call 911 if: won't stop after 30 minutes, followed a head injury, person is on blood thinners and can't stop, or blood is coming forcefully from both nostrils.
Kit

What you'll need

  • Tissues or gauze
  • Cold damp cloth
  • Timer
Related

Head & face

Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.