How to Stop a Nosebleed

Lean forward and pinch correctly to stop a common nosebleed and avoid swallowing blood.

1. Sit up and lean slightly forward

   Sit upright and tip your head gently forward, not back. Leaning forward keeps blood from running down your throat, which can cause gagging or nausea.

2. Pinch the soft part of your nose

   Using your thumb and finger, firmly pinch the soft fleshy part just below the bony bridge. Breathe through your mouth while you hold pressure.

3. Hold steady pressure for 10 to 15 minutes

   Keep pinching without peeking, since releasing early can restart the bleed. A cold compress on the bridge of the nose may also help.

4. Rest and avoid disturbing the clot

   Once bleeding stops, avoid blowing, picking, or bending over for several hours, and skip heavy lifting so the fragile clot can hold.

5. Get medical help if it will not stop

   Seek urgent care if bleeding continues after 20 minutes of steady pressure, is very heavy, follows a hard blow or injury, or you take blood thinners or feel faint.