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No more nosebleeds

Last updated: March 2010

Nosebleeds can be scary. But simple measures can usually prevent or stop them. Recent reports have linked bloody noses to chemicals released by drywall imported from China. Perhaps the biggest cause, however, is dry air, which can parch the membrane that protects blood vessels in the nose. If you're prone to nosebleeds, consider:

Setting a humidifier to 30 to 50 percent humidity, especially in your bedroom.
Using an over-the-counter saline nasal spray two to three times daily.
Applying a pea-sized dollop of petroleum jelly inside your nostrils.

How to stop the bleeding

Stay calm and don't tilt your head back, which can make blood flow into the throat, triggering nausea or choking. Instead:

Lean slightly forward and gently pinch your nose where it's soft, just below the harder bridge. If the bleeding doesn't stop after 5 minutes, pinch for another 10 to 20 minutes. If it continues, seek emergency help.
After the bleeding ceases, apply a cold compress to prevent recurrence. For several hours, don't blow, rub, or pick your nose, and avoid bending over.

A medication or supplement may be responsible for bloody noses. Common culprits include aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin and generic), ginkgo biloba, and ginseng.

In rare cases, nosebleeds can signal a serious health issue, including blood-clotting disorders and leukemia. Sometimes, especially in older people, bleeding begins at the back of the nose, which may cause the blood to flow into the throat. That can cause you to cough it up or trigger nausea or bloody stools. In such cases, see a doctor immediately. If disorders are ruled out and frequent bleeding persists, your doctor can cauterize the leaky blood vessels with an electric device or a chemical.

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