Nosebleed
Overview
- Adapted from NHS
Immediate management
- The key issues are to control the bleeding and keep the airway open
- Ask the person to sit down, lean forward and to breathe through their mouth
- Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly and continuously for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing
- During this time, it is best that they do not speak, swallow, cough, spit or sniff because this may break blood clots that may have started to form
- If the bleeding has not stopped after 10 to 15 minutes, go to A&E or call 999. Also get emergency help if the bleeding is severe, if they are swallowing enough blood to make them vomit, if it started after a blow to the head, or if they feel weak, dizzy or breathless
When to see a GP
- A child under 2 years old has a nosebleed
- You have regular nosebleeds
- You have symptoms of anaemia such as a faster heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath and pale skin
- You are taking a blood-thinning medicine, such as warfarin
- You have a condition that means your blood cannot clot properly (e.g. haemophilia)