About the topic
A nosebleed can follow dryness, nose picking or forceful blowing. Most settle with first aid, but continuing or heavy bleeding needs medical help. Start timing the bleeding so you can judge whether pressure is working.
Practical care & comfort
- Sit upright and lean forward, keeping your mouth open; do not tilt your head back.
- Pinch the soft part just above the nostrils continuously for 10–15 minutes and breathe through your mouth.
- After it stops, avoid nose blowing, heavy exertion and hot drinks for 24 hours.
Symptoms & signs
- Blood coming from one or both nostrils.
- Blood running towards the throat, particularly if you lean back.
- Heavy or continuing bleeding, weakness or dizziness are warning signs.
When to speak with a clinician: Arrange review for repeated nosebleeds, or if you take blood-thinning medicine or have a bleeding disorder. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice.
Food & nutrition
Food does not stop active bleeding. Apply the first-aid steps and seek emergency care for bleeding that continues beyond 10–15 minutes or other warning signs.
Foods & nutrition to follow
- Once bleeding has stopped, return to ordinary balanced meals.
- Choose cool or room-temperature drinks during the following 24 hours.
Foods to limit or avoid
- Avoid hot drinks for 24 hours after the bleeding stops.
- Avoid alcohol for the same 24-hour period.
About this guide
General adult health information; it does not diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. Follow any plan your treating team has given you.
Further reading from the clinical sources used for this guide: