When To Worry About A Nosebleed & Seek Medical Help

Nosebleeds are extremely common. It’s estimated that around 60% of people will have at least one nosebleed in their lifetime¹, which can be triggered by dry air, picking your nose, and the common cold, among other things. They are usually nothing to worry about.

But nosebleeds can be serious in some instances, so it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. These are the biggest reasons to worry about a nosebleed (for both adults and children) so that you can get the help you need.

Your Breathing Is Affected

If the amount of blood in your nasal cavity and throat is making it difficult for you to breathe, seek medical attention immediately. This is a serious issue that needs to be resolved quickly.

You Are Bleeding Heavily

If you are bleeding excessively and seem to be losing a lot of blood, this is also a medical emergency that needs to be treated rapidly.

The Bleeding Hasn’t Stopped For 20 Minutes

The best way to stop a nosebleed is by sitting upright, and pinching your nose with a tissue for five minutes at a time. You can also try using a cold compression on the bridge of your nose, and lightly blowing to remove any blood clots.

If this isn’t working, and your nose has been bleeding for longer than 20 minutes, it’s best to speak to a medical professional.

You Are Injured

If your nosebleed is a result of an injury such as a blow to the head, car accident, or having something stuck in your nose (common with children), it may be an indication of a broken nose, skull fracture, or internal bleeding, so go to the hospital immediately. This also applies if the nosebleed is delayed by hours or days.

You Feel Dizzy, Tired, Or Weak

If your nosebleed is accompanied by dizziness, tiredness, weakness, or another form of feeling unwell, this might indicate a more serious issue, so you should speak to a medical professional immediately.

You Are Also Bleeding From Other Areas

If you are bleeding from your gums, ears, rectum, or another area of your body, this may indicate internal bleeding or blood clotting. Again, go to the hospital right away.

You Are Swallowing A Lot Of Blood

Swallowing blood can irritate your stomach and cause you to vomit, which might make the nosebleed even worse. This is why you should never tilt your head back to stop a nosebleed, despite it being common advice.

If your nosebleed is heavy and you suspect that you are swallowing a lot of blood, it’s recommended to speak to a medical professional.

You Are Taking Blood Thinning Medication

If you are taking blood thinning medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin, this may make your nosebleeds much heavier and longer, which can make them more dangerous. As mentioned above, if your nose has been bleeding for longer than 20 minutes, or seems to be dangerously heavy, seek medical attention right away.

What Can Nosebleeds Be A Sign Of?

Nosebleeds are generally caused by dry air or picking your nose, but here are some other causes to be aware of:

• Bleeding disorders
• Nasal and sinus infection
• Allergies
• Foreign body in the nose
• Trauma to the nose
• Common cold
• Aspirin use
• Blood thinners
• Chemical irritants like ammonia
• Chronic sinusitis
• Nasal sprays
• Cocaine use
• Deviated septum
• Nonallergic rhinitis
• Fragile blood vessels that bleed easily
• A bleeding or clotting issue

References

1. Nosebleeds (Epistaxis): Types, Causes, Treatment & Prevention, Cleveland Clinic