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Nosebleeds are very common, especially when the air is dry. And while they can look scary, you can stop most of them without too much trouble.

The right nosebleed first aid can often stop a nosebleed in under 20 minutes.

Learn how to treat a nosebleed at home and when to see a doctor for a nosebleed.

How Do I Stop a Nosebleed?

To stop a nosebleed (epistaxis), follow these steps:

1. Stay calm — Nosebleeds are common and usually aren’t a sign of anything serious. Stress can cause your blood pressure to spike, which can make nosebleeds worse.
2. Sit down — Sit on a chair, with your head tilted slightly forward. If your child has a nosebleed, you can have them sit on your lap if necessary. You can also place an ice pack, cold washcloth, or bag of frozen vegetables on the back of your neck.
3. Pinch your nose — The correct way to pinch your nose for a nosebleed is to pinch the soft part of your nose, just above the nostrils. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch your nose, closing the nostrils.
4. Breathe through your mouth — Avoid breathing through your nose while pinching your nostrils.
5. Apply pressure for 10 minutes — After 10 minutes, check to see if the nosebleed has stopped. If your nose is still bleeding, pinch it for another 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Spit out any blood — You should avoid swallowing any blood. Spit any blood that collects in your throat into a bowl or another container and get rid of it.

After your nose stops bleeding, avoid disturbing your nose if possible. Do not pick or blow your nose. Avoid heavy lifting or other activities that can cause strain.

Note: Don’t lie back or put a tissue up your nose to stop the bleeding.

When Should You Call a Doctor About a Nosebleed?

Most nosebleeds stop at home. But some may need emergency care. You should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department if the nosebleed:

• Doesn’t stop after 20 minutes.
• Is getting worse or you’ve lost a lot of blood.
• Occurred from an injury to the face.

Also seek care if you’re experiencing other symptoms, such as breathing problems or dizziness. You should also call your health care provider if you’re having frequent nosebleeds or if you take a medication like a blood thinner.

You can also ask your provider if you need to see an otolaryngologist — an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. ENT nosebleed care could include cauterizing (burning) the blood vessels inside the nose. This can help prevent future nosebleeds.

What Causes Nosebleeds?

Nosebleeds occur when a blood vessel breaks inside the nose. This often happens without warning.

You can get a nosebleed for many reasons, but common causes include:

• Blowing your nose forcefully.
• Drug and alcohol use.
• Dry air.
• Facial trauma.
• Picking your nose or otherwise disturbing your nasal cavity.
• Sneezing.
• Tumors in the nasal cavity.

Who’s at risk for nosebleeds?

Anyone can get a nosebleed. About 60% of the general population experiences nosebleeds, according to a 2024 article in Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Balance Medicine.

Some people experience nosebleeds more than others. You may be at higher risk if you:

• Are older than 70 or younger than 10 years of age.
• Are pregnant.
• Have allergies or a cold.
• Have anemia.
• Have a clotting disorder.
• Have diabetes.
• Have heart failure.
• Have high blood pressure.
• Live in a dry climate.
• Have a liver disorder.
• Pick your nose.
• Suffer a facial injury.
• Use certain medications (aspirin, blood thinners, or nasal sprays).
• Use drugs or alcohol.

How Do I Prevent Frequent Nosebleeds at Home?

Nosebleeds can be tough to prevent entirely. But if you’re experiencing frequent nosebleeds, you can take some steps to lower your risk.

Take it easy on your nose

The blood vessels inside your nose can be sensitive. Be careful to avoid disturbing the inside of your nose.

For example, you should:

• Avoid picking your nose — Picking your nose is more than just an unsanitary habit — it also can cause nosebleeds. You should avoid picking your nose (and encourage your child not to pick theirs).
• Blow your nose gently — People with nasal infections and allergies are often prone to nosebleeds. But blowing your nose too vigorously can cause nosebleeds, too. Try not to be too rough when blowing your nose, especially when you’re sick.
• Wear facial protection — If you play a sport with a risk of facial trauma, consider wearing a face mask, shield, or guard. Contact with the nose can cause fractures (and nosebleeds).

Take care of dry air

Dry air can cause nosebleeds, so you can take steps to lower your risk.

Using a saline spray in your nose and a humidifier in your home can help prevent dry nosebleeds. You can also rub a small amount of petroleum jelly inside your nostrils to prevent your nose from drying out.

Talk to your provider

If you find that you’re experiencing a lot of nosebleeds, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). They can provide recommendations or refer you to an ENT specialist for nosebleed care.

It’s especially important to talk to your provider if you’re on a medication like a blood thinner. You may need to adjust your dosage if you’re having a lot of nosebleeds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nosebleeds

Should I tilt my head back for a nosebleed?

No, you should never lie down or tilt your head back during a nosebleed. Doing so can cause blood to pool in your throat, which can make you choke or swallow blood.

Instead, when your nose starts bleeding, sit down with your head tilted slightly forward and pinch the skin above your nostrils.

Should I put a tissue in my nose to stop a nosebleed?

No, don’t put a tissue in your nose to stop a nosebleed. Tissues can disturb the clotting process and make the nosebleed last longer.

Instead, apply pressure by pinching the soft part of your nose, just above the nostrils.

My nosebleed won’t stop after 20 minutes. What do I do?

If your nosebleed hasn’t stopped after 20 minutes, call 911 or visit the emergency department. While most nosebleeds stop at home, some may need emergency care.