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Ministry of Health

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds can look scary, but they are very common. Bleeding can be from one or both nostrils, heavy or light, and may last from a few seconds to over 10 minutes.

Last updated 2 January 2025

Nosebleeds happen when the tiny blood vessels in your nose burst, due to a variety of disturbances like digging your nose, blowing your nose too hard, dry climates, irritation from foreign objects in the nose, being hit in the face, allergies, infections, alcohol or drug use, etc.

HOW TO TREAT AT HOME

  • Sit down and lean forward

  • Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the nose just above the nostrils

  • Breathe through your mouth

  • Continue until the bleeding stops, usually after 10 minutes

  • If the bleeding continues, hold for another 10 minutes and suck on some ice cubes.

  • If your nose is injured, place ice pack (wrap a bag of ice in a towel) on your nose bridge.

SEE YOUR PHARMACIST IF:

  • You need further advice on how to manage your symptoms. Your pharmacist can also recommend other medications for your condition or advise if you need to see a GP, or visit the emergency department

SEE YOUR GP IF:

  • Your nosebleed recurs for no apparent reason

GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING:

  • Your nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes

  • Your nosebleed is caused by injury to the nose, such as being hit in the face by a fist or object