Overview
A nosebleed happens when a small blood vessel inside the nose breaks, most often from dry air, nose-picking or a knock. The great majority stop within a few minutes with simple first aid — pinching the soft part of the nose and leaning forward. Nosebleeds are common and rarely serious, though heavy or repeated bleeding, or bleeding in someone on blood thinners, needs medical attention.
Symptoms
- Blood dripping or flowing from one or both nostrils
- A trickle of blood down the back of the throat
- Bleeding that usually stops with steady pinching
- Sometimes light-headedness with heavy bleeding
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes of pinching, is very heavy, keeps returning, or follows a head injury.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Bleeding that will not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure, or heavy bleeding with dizziness and paleness — go to a hospital
Causes
Dry air, nose-picking, forceful blowing, minor injury, colds and allergies. Blood thinners, high blood pressure and bleeding disorders can make them worse.