Nosebleed

A nosebleed happens when blood vessels inside the nose bleed. Dryness, irritation, nose picking, injury and other factors can contribute. Many settle with appropriate first aid, but heavy, prolonged or recurrent bleeding needs assessment. The immediate priority is controlling bleeding safely and recognising when urgent help is needed.

What should I do first?

Sit upright and lean forward. Pinch the soft part of the nose continuously and breathe through the mouth. Avoid tilting your head back, which can send blood down the throat. Keep pressure on rather than repeatedly checking whether the bleeding has stopped.

Healthdirect recommends maintaining pressure for at least ten minutes. If bleeding continues, keep applying pressure while arranging further advice. Seek urgent care for bleeding that lasts more than twenty minutes, is heavy or makes you feel unwell. Follow emergency advice sooner if there are concerning symptoms.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Nosebleeds - epistaxis, treatments and prevention | healthdirect.

What should I tell a clinician?

Mention an injury, recent nasal procedure, medicines that affect bleeding and any history of easy bruising. Describe how often nosebleeds occur, which side is affected and whether there are other symptoms. Do not stop prescribed treatment on your own because a nosebleed occurred.

After bleeding settles, ask about avoiding further irritation and managing dryness. Recurrent episodes may need examination to identify a local cause or another contributing problem. Telehealth can discuss the pattern, but cannot perform treatment inside the nose when that is needed.

When should I get emergency help?

Call 000 for severe bleeding with collapse, serious breathing difficulty or other life-threatening symptoms. Significant head or facial injury, dizziness, chest pain or vomiting substantial swallowed blood needs urgent assessment. A nosebleed in a very young child also warrants medical advice. Do not wait for an online appointment while heavy bleeding continues, and do not pack the nose with improvised objects.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.