Health Tip: Controlling a Nosebleed

Suggestions on what to do

September 23, 2009 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- If you get a nosebleed, don't panic. Many nosebleeds look worse than they really are, says the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Here's the academy's advice on steps to help stop a nosebleed:

Sit down, and tilt your body forward slightly. Keep your head positioned above your heart, but allow the blood to drain from your nose, not down your throat.
Use your thumb and index finger and gently apply pressure near the end of the nose, at the soft part.
Hold your fingers in that position for at least five minutes, then check if the bleeding has stopped.
If the nose is still bleeding, hold it for at least 10 minutes more without releasing.
Place an ice pack or cold compress across your nose.
Leave the nose alone once it stops bleeding, and don't blow your nose or bend over.