A nosebleed (epistaxis) is one of the most common reasons for visiting an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT specialist). According to the World Health Organization, about 60% of people experience at least one episode of nasal bleeding in their lifetime, and in 6–10% of cases, medical attention is required.

Many parents and adults believe they know how to stop a nosebleed: tilt the head back, insert cotton wool, or lie down. However, these common actions are actually mistakes — they don’t help and can even make the situation worse.

Causes of Nosebleeds

1. Local factors

• Dry air, heat, air conditioners
• Mechanical injury (picking, foreign body, trauma from a fall or blow)
• Inflammatory diseases (rhinitis, sinusitis)
• Nasal surgery or procedures
• Deviated septum, fragile nasal mucosal vessels

2. General causes

• High blood pressure
• Blood or clotting disorders
• Atherosclerosis, hypertension
• Use of certain medications (anticoagulants, aspirin, isotretinoin)
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, adolescence)
• Chronic infections, vitamin deficiencies

Types of Nosebleeds and Are Frequent Nosebleeds Dangerous?

Anterior nosebleeds (90–95%) originate in the Kiesselbach’s plexus (front part of the nasal septum).
Posterior nosebleeds cause blood to flow down the throat, which may be swallowed, sometimes leading to vomiting blood. These require immediate medical attention.

Recurrent episodes can indicate hypertension, clotting disorders, or chronic ENT conditions. A thorough medical evaluation is important.

First Aid for a Nosebleed

1. Sit up straight and lean your head slightly forward to prevent blood from flowing into the throat.
2. Pinch the soft part of the nose and hold for 7–10 minutes while breathing through your mouth.
3. Apply something cold to the bridge of the nose (ice pack, cold towel, or bottle) to constrict blood vessels.
4. Apply a cold compress to the back of the neck or suck on an ice cube for an additional vasoconstrictive effect.
5. If needed, gently insert a cotton swab moistened with 3% hydrogen peroxide or a hemostatic agent into the bleeding nostril.

Do NOT:

• Tilt your head back
• Lie on your back
• Blow your nose right after the bleeding stops
• Use dry cotton (it sticks to the mucosa and can cause rebleeding when removed)
• Overuse nasal decongestant drops as an emergency measure

When to See a Doctor Immediately

• Bleeding lasts longer than 15–20 minutes
• Nosebleeds occur frequently
• Blood flows from both nostrils or in a steady stream
• Vomiting blood occurs
• General condition worsens (weakness, dizziness, pallor, rapid pulse)

Modern Treatment of Nosebleeds at the Clinic

At KindCare Medical Center, the ENT specialist provides comprehensive care using advanced endoscopic diagnostic and treatment methods, including:

• Anterior or posterior nasal packing
• Chemical or electrical cauterization of the bleeding vessel
• Use of hemostatic sponges, films, or gels
• In severe cases — surgical ligation or endoscopic coagulation of vessels

Prevention of Nosebleeds

• Regular moisturizing of the nasal mucosa (sprays with hyaluronic acid, sea water, or saline solutions)
• Maintaining optimal indoor humidity (40–60%)
• Avoiding nasal trauma and picking, especially in children
• Monitoring blood pressure
• Careful use of NSAIDs and anticoagulants
• Regular ENT check-ups

At KindCare Medical Center, our ENT specialist provides a full range of care for nosebleeds using state-of-the-art endoscopic diagnostic and treatment techniques:

• Accurate identification of the bleeding source
• Gentle mucosal coagulation methods
• Prevention of recurrence
• Patient education in first-aid techniques

At KindCare Medical Center, you’ll receive not only effective treatment but also essential knowledge about proper first-aid practices.