How to Stop a Nose Bleed

While it can be scary to see blood coming out of the nose, most nosebleeds are harmless. They're often caused by a knock or blow to the nose, picking the nose, sneezing or blowing or from heat or a proclivity to having blood noses (the latter being fairly normal for some young children).

Above all, when you get a nosebleed, staying calm is very important. If you follow the steps below, you should be able to successfully stop a nosebleed.

During the nosebleed

1. 1
   Sit down and lean forward. This is to allow the blood to drain out rather than running into your throat. It can help to use a bowl to catch the flow of blood rather than ruining clothing or towels. Have tissues, handkerchiefs or face cloths at hand to help dab at blood on the face or hands.
2. • Don't lie down or lean too far forward; keeping your head above your heart will minimize bleeding. If you place your head back too far (as is wont to happen when lying down), he blood can flow down the throat and bring about vomiting.
3. 2
   Drink some water to help clean your throat. Blood in the throat can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Water can also be important if the cause of the blood nose is dehydration or dry heat.
4. 3
   Use one or both of the following techniques to stop the bleeding:
   • Pinch the soft part of your nose just below the bridge (the bony/hard cartilage part). Use the thumb and index finger to squeeze (not too hard) it for at least 5 minutes. If your nose continues to bleed, squeeze again for at least 10 minutes. As you're doing this, breathe through your mouth; while pinching your nose pretty much means you have little choice but to breathe through your mouth, this has a positive, calming effect. If pinching your nose the second time doesn't stop the bleeding, get emergency medical attention (see below).
   • Put a cold ice pack on the back of the neck or the forehead. Remain upright but leaning slightly forward.

After the nosebleed

1. 1
   Remain calm and resting for a good amount of time. You'll probably have to remain seated and resting for about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the severity of the nosebleed, most particularly to prevent the nosebleed from restarting.
2. 2
   Avoid sniffing, blowing or cleaning the nostrils for about four hours after the nosebleed. Any of these actions could cause the nosebleed to recommence. Continue drinking water regularly to keep well hydrated.
3. 3
   Do not clean out the inside of your nose after the bleeding has stopped. Doing this can dislodge clots and start the bleeding again. However, it is fine to gently clean around the outside of the nose to remove blood using warm water and a very soft cloth.
4. 4
   Clean up everything else. See How to remove blood stains if clothing or upholstery has been stained by blood.
5. 5
   Turn on a cool vaporizer to moisten mucous membranes, which will help prevent the nosebleed from recurring. If you don't have a vaporizer, breathe in through your mouth and slowly out through your nose so the moisture in your breath will moisten it.
6. 6
   If you're prone to nosebleeds, avoid doing anything to cause your nose to bleed. Don't blow your nose, pick your nose, bump it, or bend over or rub your nose vigorously. And don't get into physical fisticuffs!