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Op. Dr. Erdem Yıldız
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Nose

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds, medically known as epistaxis, occur when blood vessels inside the nose bleed. Most episodes are minor, but persistent, heavy or recurring bleeding needs medical attention. Knowing how to respond can help control bleeding and identify when further care is necessary.

A woman with straight shoulder-length brown hair and freckles, in a dark green blouse, sits at a wooden table by a window and looks at a tissue with a small red spot, with a small red mark below one nostril

What Causes Nosebleeds?

Dryness, nose picking and forceful nose blowing can damage the delicate nasal lining. Injuries, blood-thinning medication and conditions affecting blood clotting may also contribute.

Most nosebleeds start near the front of the nasal septum, the partition between the nostrils. Bleeding from deeper inside the nose can be harder to control and may require hospital treatment.

What to Do During a Nosebleed

  1. Sit upright and lean forward, keeping your mouth open.
  2. Firmly pinch the soft part of your nose just above the nostrils, closing both sides.
  3. Maintain continuous pressure for 10–15 minutes without releasing it to check.
  4. Breathe through your mouth and spit out blood rather than swallowing it.

Do not tilt your head backwards, lie flat or push tissues into your nose. Pressing on the bony bridge does not compress the usual bleeding site.

When Is Urgent Care Needed?

Seek urgent medical care if bleeding continues after 10–15 minutes of uninterrupted pressure.

Get immediate help if bleeding is heavy, follows a significant head injury, causes difficulty breathing or makes you feel weak or dizzy. Do not wait for a routine clinic appointment in these situations.

If you take blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder, seek prompt medical advice. Medication changes should be directed by the clinician responsible for your care.

How Are Recurring Nosebleeds Assessed?

An assessment considers how often bleeding occurs, which side is affected, how long episodes last and whether there are associated symptoms. Your clinician will also review medication use, previous injuries and any history of unusual bleeding.

Examination may identify dryness, crusting or a visible bleeding vessel. Nasal endoscopy may be used to inspect areas that are difficult to see, particularly when episodes keep returning. Further investigations depend on the findings.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the bleeding site and severity. Measures to moisturise the nasal lining may help when dryness contributes.

A clearly identified bleeding point may be treated with cautery, which seals the affected vessel. If bleeding cannot be controlled this way, nasal packing may be needed to apply pressure inside the nose. Persistent or deeper bleeding may require additional hospital treatment.

If packing is used, follow the instructions about monitoring and removal. Some materials dissolve, while others must be removed by a healthcare professional.

Caring for Your Nose Afterwards

Avoid picking or blowing your nose, heavy lifting and strenuous activity immediately after an episode. Follow any additional restrictions provided after cautery or packing.

Saline nasal products and reducing indoor dryness may help protect the nasal lining. Repeated episodes should be assessed even when each individual bleed stops at home.

Discuss Your Symptoms

Contact the clinic to arrange an assessment for recurring nosebleeds and discuss appropriate treatment. Active heavy or persistent bleeding requires urgent medical care.

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This information provides general guidance and does not replace an individual medical assessment.

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