Stopping a nosebleed
Machine translation from Dutch, not yet checked by a clinician.
Most nosebleeds are harmless and stop within 10 to 15 minutes with the right technique.
What to do
• Lean slightly forward — not backwards
• Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly, just below the hard bone
• Hold this for 10 to 15 minutes without letting go to check
• Breathe through the mouth
• Once the bleeding stops: avoid blowing your nose, sneezing or bending over for 1 hour
Do not do
• Do not lean back — blood in the throat can cause vomiting
• Do not pack the nose with cotton wool
• Do not blow through the nose during treatment
Warning signs
• The nosebleed does not stop after 20 to 30 minutes
• A nosebleed after a head injury
• Very heavy bleeding running down the throat
Get help if
• The nosebleed does not stop after 20 minutes
• The nosebleed follows a fall or a blow to the head
• The person takes blood thinners
Why this matters
The wrong treatment (head tilted back) causes blood to be swallowed and vomiting. The correct technique is simple and effective.
Source: Rode Kruis EHBO · reviewed 2025-01-01