Going home after your visit
Nosebleeds — advice after a nosebleed
How to stop a nosebleed, look after yourself afterwards, and when to get more help.
Most nosebleeds are not serious and stop with simple first aid. We have checked you and it is safe to go home. Please read this so you know what to do if the bleeding starts again.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Get medical help — or call 999 if the bleeding is heavy — if any of these happen
Most nosebleeds settle, but these signs need checking urgently.
- The bleeding won't stop after 15–20 minutes of firm pressure (two tries)
- The bleeding is very heavy, you're choking, or you keep swallowing or vomiting blood
- It started after a head injury or a hard blow
- You take blood-thinning medicine, such as warfarin or a DOAC, or have a clotting disorder
- You feel faint, dizzy or short of breath
- Your child is under 2 years old and has had a nosebleed
- You or your child keep getting nosebleeds
CALL 999 Call 999 if the bleeding is heavy and will not stop, or someone collapses.
How to stop a nosebleed
- Sit up and lean forward — do not tip your head back.
- Firmly pinch the soft part of your nose, just below the bony bridge.
- Hold for 10–15 minutes without letting go to check.
- Breathe through your mouth, and spit out any blood instead of swallowing it.
- Put an ice pack or cold cloth on the bridge of your nose, or suck an ice cube.
For the next 24 hours
- Do not pick or blow your nose, or pick at any scab.
- Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, heavy lifting and hard exercise.
- Keep your head up, and avoid hot baths.
- If you need to sneeze, do it with your mouth open.
- A little petroleum jelly inside the nostril can soothe it.
What's normal afterwards
These are common in the first day or two and usually settle on their own:
A little oozingA blood-tinged scabA blocked or sore noseDried blood when you wipe
Restart gentle pinching for 10–15 minutes if it bleeds again.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a red-flag symptom above
111
Urgent but not life-threatening, or you're not sure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team
Use the department phone in Your care details above