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Discharge information following a nosebleed (epistaxis)

Introduction

Having a nosebleed is common and it is usually mild and easily treated. Some nosebleeds can be more severe and is usually the case in older people who have other medical conditions. This leaflet gives you information about what causes a nosebleed and the different treatments available for adults.

What causes nosebleeds?

During a nosebleed, blood flows from one or both nostrils and can last from a few seconds to over 10 minutes.

Nosebleeds can be caused by a number of different factors which are not always easy to identify.

Nosebleeds can start just inside your nostrils (anterior) or at the back of your nostrils (posterior). Anterior and posterior nosebleeds usually have different causes.

Anterior nosebleeds

The most common place for a nosebleed to start is just inside the nostrils by the septum (middle of the nostrils).

This is due to the delicate blood vessels inside your nose becoming damaged.

This can happen easily and the most common causes for anterior nosebleeds include:

Posterior nosebleeds

Sometimes, bleeding can come from the blood vessels deeper inside the nose.

Bleeding can be caused by a number of things including:

Posterior nosebleeds are much less common and usually affect older adults. They can be serious because the blood flow is heavy.

What to do if you have a nosebleed?

When you have a nosebleed there are some simple steps you can take to help it stop:

  1. Sit down and firmly pinch the soft part of your nose, just above your nostril openings, for 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Lean forward and breathe through your mouth – this will drain the blood down your nose instead of it going down the back of your throat.
  3. Place an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables covered with a towel on the bridge of your nose.
  4. Do not lie down, as this will increase the pressure in the blood vessels of your nose.

Steps that may prevent further bleeding

When to seek medical advice

If after 20 mins your nose is still bleeding heavily you should go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Usually the bleeding will stop if you have followed the advice in this leaflet. No further treatment will be needed however, please contact your GP or NHS 111 if:

Contact numbers

Bradford Royal Infirmary; Emergency Department: 01274 272747
Or contact your GP.