What should I do first for a nosebleed?

Sit up and lean slightly forward, pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for at least 10 minutes, and breathe through your mouth. Do not tilt your head back. If bleeding continues, seek medical help.

When should I go to the emergency department?

Seek urgent care if bleeding is heavy or won’t stop after repeated pressure, if you have trouble breathing, feel faint, have a fast heartbeat, or the bleed follows a major head injury.

Who should I see for recurring nosebleeds?

See an Ear–Nose–Throat (ENT) specialist for recurrent or unexplained nosebleeds so they can check for anatomical issues or other causes and guide further testing if needed.

How can I reduce nosebleeds at home?

Maintain indoor humidity, use saline nasal sprays to keep the lining moist, avoid picking the nose and minimise nasal irritation. If nosebleeds persist, get a specialist evaluation.

Nosebleed — what it is, common causes and how to respond

A nosebleed (epistaxis) is a frequent problem resulting from bleeding of small blood vessels inside the nose. This page summarizes typical triggers, practical first-aid measures, signs that need urgent attention, and when to see an Ear–Nose–Throat (ENT) specialist.

What a nosebleed is and how it starts

Nosebleeds occur when the delicate vessels in the nasal lining break and bleed. Local causes such as minor trauma to the nose, dry indoor air, nose picking, upper respiratory infections or allergies are common. Systemic factors — for example high blood pressure, medications that affect clotting, or bleeding disorders — can increase risk. Age matters: children and older adults may have different typical causes, and repeated bleeding should prompt further evaluation.

First aid: simple steps you can try

Stay calm and sit upright. Lean slightly forward to avoid swallowing blood and breathe through your mouth. Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly between your thumb and index finger and hold continuous pressure for at least 10 minutes; repeat if needed. Do not tilt the head back. If bleeding is heavy, you have trouble breathing, feel faint, or bleeding follows a head injury, seek immediate medical help.

Common causes and warning signs

Frequent local causes include nasal trauma, dry mucosa, chronic irritation, septal deformities and inflammation. Systemic contributors include high blood pressure, anticoagulant medications, and blood-clotting disorders. Warning signs that require prompt care are persistent or very heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, repeated fainting or a nosebleed that starts after significant head trauma.

Prevention and specialist referral

To reduce risk, keep indoor air moderately humid, avoid picking the nose, and use saline nasal sprays to maintain mucosal moisture. For recurrent or unexplained nosebleeds, an ENT specialist can assess anatomical causes, recommend appropriate investigations, and advise on preventive measures. Emergency assessment is indicated for severe bleeding, suspected major trauma or signs of significant blood loss.

Bu hastalıkla ilişkili sık görülen belirtiler

Blurred vision

Bu hastalık için ilgili branşlar

Otorhinolaryngology

Emergency Medicine

Questions (5)

Why is my nose bleeding?

My nose bleeds

Sürekli ve şiddetli burun kanaması neden olur, acil midir?

Burun kanaması neden olur?

Burun kanaması, tansiyon yükselmesi ve bulanık görme ne anlama gelebilir?

Burun kanaması neden olur?

Frequently asked questions

ENT referral (Otolaryngology)

ENT specialists evaluate recurrent epistaxis for anatomical or systemic causes, arrange further testing when indicated, and advise on preventive measures or procedures if needed.

Dr. Ali Bekereci

Acil Servis Specialist

Acil Servis

HG Hastanesi

Onikişubat

Kahramanmaraş

Make an Appointment

Dr. Ali Peköz

Acil Servis Specialist

Acil Servis

HG Hastanesi

Onikişubat

Kahramanmaraş

Make an Appointment

Uzm. Dr. Alp Batuhan ÖZTÜRK

Acil Tıp Specialist

Acil Tıp

Biruni Hastanesi

Küçükçekmece

İstanbul

Make an Appointment

Dr. Bülent Kızıldağ

Acil Servis Specialist

Acil Servis

HG Hastanesi

Onikişubat

Kahramanmaraş

Make an Appointment

Uzm. Dr. Gültekin AKYOL

Acil Tıp Specialist

Acil Tıp

Biruni Hastanesi

Küçükçekmece

İstanbul

Make an Appointment

Dr. Gürkan Marangoz

Acil Servis Specialist

Acil Servis

HG Hastanesi

Onikişubat

Kahramanmaraş

Make an Appointment

This section may show doctors with a TanıTedavi profile and relevant verified specialty information. The list is not a medical success, superiority or personal recommendation ranking.

Total 5 Question

Hello ❤️

Write your complaint
Let's answer in seconds

Start Chat