Seek immediate medical attention if:
- Blood flows from both nostrils and doesn't stop for 20 minutes
- The nosebleed has occurred after a head injury
- The bleeding lasts for longer than half an hour despite applications of cold and pressure
- The bleeding resulted from a severe blow that also caused dizziness and nausea
- The nose looks crooked or displaced in any way
- The individual is elderly
- The individual has high blood pressure
- The individual is using blood-thinning drugs
While you wait for medical attention:
- Sit down and lean forward. Have the individual lower her head and leave her mouth open. Try to stop the bleeding by pinching the soft part of the nostril closed by pressing with the thumb and index finger, below the cartilage, for at least ten minutes. Release the pressure slowly.
- Loosen any clothing around the neck.
- Apply a cold water compress to the base of the skull and top of the nose to help constrict blood vessels. After ten minutes gradually release the nostrils, but still sit quietly and avoid blowing the nose for at least three hours.
At-Home First Aid
If the nosebleed does not require medical assistance, try to stop the bleeding with the ''While you wait" steps above. If they prove unsuccessful, try any of the following remedies.
Household and herbal remedies
- Apple cider vinegar. Snuff a bit of apple cider vinegar diluted in water-the strength of the solution will depend on your tolerance for it.
- Cayenne. Drinking 1/8 teaspoon (.6 ml) cayenne powder mixed in a cup of warm water can help stop the bleeding.
- Cold water. Drinking plain cold water can help stop a nosebleed.
- Yarrow leaf. Place a pinch of crushed yarrow leaf in the nostrils.
Homeopathic remedy. Four pellets, dissolved under the tongue, of the homeopathic remedy Ferrum phos may help curb profuse bleeding.
Follow-Up Care for Nosebleeds
Most nosebleeds don't last longer than 15 minutes. Take it easy and rest for at least half an hour afterward. Avoid vigorous exercise for a day or two so that the nose doesn't start bleeding again. Avoid tobacco smoke since it can dry out the nasal passages and make them prone to bleed.
Prevention
If you frequently get nosebleeds, check with your doctor. Consider taking a supplement of vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and add doses of nettles or shepherd's purse (1 dropperful of tincture 3 times daily) to strengthen the capillaries and promote healthy blood clotting. If your nose bleeds due to excessive dryness, apply a bit of herbal salve inside your nose. Consider placing humidifiers in your home and work environments.
