Stop a Nosebleed in 6 Steps

Sit straight up, apply pressure, be patient — and don’t stuff it

Nosebleeds often seem to happen out of the blue, striking at random. All that blood can be scary for kids and adults alike. And while they’re common, there are simple steps you can take to help them stop.

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Ear, nose and throat surgeon Mohamad Chaaban, MD, shares do’s and don’ts for stopping a nosebleed.

How to stop a bloody nose in its tracks

Yikes, here comes the blood! You’re panicking, and things are getting messy.

Sometimes, a nosebleed feels like it could last forever. But in reality, the average nosebleed doesn’t last more than 20 minutes. Be sure to call your healthcare provider if it does — or if you’re having them frequently, or if the blood flow is heavy.

Keep in mind: If this is a bloody nose related to an injury to your face, be sure to see a doctor right away to be evaluated.

Even for 20 minutes or fewer, a nosebleed can still be pretty alarming and irritating. Take the following steps to put an end to a nosebleed.

Step 1: Sit up straight

That’s right, the best thing to stop a nosebleed is to remain vertical. 

“The first thing to do is sit upright (or to sit your child upright),” Dr. Chaaban says. “Either sit down or stand with your head bent forward slightly.” And no, you shouldn’t tip your head back (more on that in a moment). 

Step 2: Use a nasal spray

If you happen to have an over-the-counter nasal decongestant (oxymetazoline or phenylephrine), you can spray it into your nose on the side that’s bleeding.

Step 3: Apply pressure

You’ll need an extra tissue for this one, just in case. As the blood vessels are located near your nostrils, apply firm pressure to the sides of your nose (not the bridge) — as though you were pinching your nose shut. You should be gently pinching the soft sides of your nose, just above your nostrils. 

Step 4: Wait for the bleeding to stop

And now, we wait. “Keep the pressure for at least 10 to 15 minutes before checking to see if the bleeding has stopped,” Dr. Chaaban advises. Patience is key here — set a timer and sit tight. And don’t relieve pressure before the time is up to check, as you may restart the bleeding.

Step 5: Try ice

If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 15 minutes, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the bridge of your nose, which can constrict the blood vessels and help bring the blood flow to a stop.