Home Remedies for Nose Bleeds

Nose / December 10, 2020

By: Kelly Warf, Au.D.
David Tojo, M.D.

The biggest mistake people make when treating a nosebleed is to lean their head back. Epistaxis, the medical term for nosebleeds, is a mild ailment that can often be treated at home. The first step in treating nosebleeds is to recognize the etiology. Nosebleeds can occur due to:

• Age
• High blood pressure
• Daily aspirin or blood thinner
• Bleeding disorder
• Common cold
• Allergies
• Low humidity and dry weather
• Dependence on oxygen treatment
• Deviated septum
• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Kidney or liver disease
• Drug use (sniffing)
• Frequent nose picking
• Trauma to nose

Prevention of nosebleeds would be controlling or managing the risks above (i.e., humidifier, quit smoking, saline nasal spray, etc.). If a nosebleed does occur, we recommend the following steps for at-home treatment.

1. Stay calm- an increase in heart rate can cause more bleeding
2. Keep your head above your heart- remain standing or sit-up
3. Lean forward slightly so the bleeding does not go down the back of your throat
4. Blow your nose gently to clear the nose and prevent clogging
5. Pinch your nose to provide pressure at the bleeding point

If your nosebleed continues after home treatment, the frequency of nosebleeds increases, nosebleed is caused by trauma to the nose, or occurs in a child under 2 years, then see an ENT doctor for further evaluation and treatment of the nosebleed. We offer same-day and urgent care appointments. Schedule your appointment at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center today. Call 847-685-1000

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