Eyes, ear, nose and throat
Nosebleed
Also called nosebleed, naak se khoon, bleeding nose, nakseer, blood from nose
What this means
Nosebleeds are common and usually come from small blood vessels in the front of the nose, often due to dryness, heat or picking. Most stop with simple first aid.
Safe to do at home
- Sit up and lean slightly forward, not backward
- Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for ten minutes
- Breathe through the mouth while pinching
- Apply a cold compress over the bridge of the nose
Please do not do this alone
- Do not tilt the head back, as blood may go down the throat
- Do not pack the nose with cotton on your own
- Do not pick or blow the nose hard afterwards
Book a consultation if
- Nosebleeds happen often
- You take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Bleeding follows an injury
Get help immediately if
- Bleeding that does not stop after twenty minutes of pressure
- Very heavy bleeding or feeling faint
- A nosebleed after a serious head or face injury
The right doctor for this
ENT Specialist
This is the specialist who sees this symptom most often and can examine you properly. If you are not sure, a general physician is always a safe place to start and will refer you onward if you need it.
