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ENT Conditions > Nose

Nosebleeds

What causes nosebleeds?

The blood vessels in the nose are quite fragile and can rupture easily for no apparent reason. This happens most commonly in children.

Picking the nose, colds, hay fever, blowing, and minor knocks can all lead to the incidents of a nosebleed.

Treatment

In instances where nosebleeds are frequent or prolonged an ENT consultation is advisable.

Your consultant will be able to cauterise the bleeding point, which will usually successfully stop recurrent bleeding.

For most occasional nosebleeds, simple first aid can usually stop the bleeding.
Sit up and lean slightly forward.

With a finger and thumb, pinch the lower fleshy end of the nose completely blocking the nostrils. Within 10-20 minutes, the bleeding should stop.

A cold flannel or compress around the nose will help blood vessels constrict and should stop the bleeding sooner. Sucking an ice cube has a similar effect.

Do seek medical help if bleeding is heavy, or it does not stop within 20-30 minutes. It may be necessary for the nose to be packed by a doctor to stop the bleeding.