by If you have also I wondered what exactly to do about a nosebleed, I asked Andrea Paul, MD, Illuminate Labs doctor and medical consultant, about what to do when you look like Eleven from Stranger Things (without the superpowers that cause nosebleeds).
Sit up straight and lean forward slightly
Sitting upright and leaning slightly forward allows blood to flow out of the body through the nose and slightly lowers blood pressure compared to leaning back, says Dr. Paul. It is also important to prevent blood from running down your throat, which can clog your airways or cause nausea and vomiting, he says.
Squeeze both sides of the nose
“Nose compression during a nosebleed is recommended in clinical practice because it can help slow bleeding,” says Dr. Paul. “It seems unsightly and it may be uncomfortable, but it is a good first step.” You should do this for about 10-15 minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Apply ice
Applying ice causes vasoconstriction, which means that the blood vessels narrow and reduce bleeding. The ice can alternate between local points, such as the area between the eyes, the bridge of the nose and the inner cheeks near the point of bleeding and discomfort, says Dr.
If possible, use an ice pack instead of ice in a bag that is more likely to melt quickly and be less effective, says Dr. Paul.
Seek medical help for long-term or frequent nosebleeds
Even if you control nosebleeds with the above steps, it is important to see a doctor if nosebleeds occur more than ever. It could be a sign that something more serious is happening, according to Dr. Paul. The Mayo Clinic also recommends that nosebleeds should not last longer than 30 minutes. Therefore, if they do, seek medical attention.
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