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Nosebleeds: what to do

When platelets are low, the lining of the nose bleeds easily, especially in dry air. The right position and pressure usually help, but sometimes urgent care is needed.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A box of tissues on a wooden table
Figure 1.Keep tissues close for a nosebleed

01Short answer

Sit down and lean slightly forward; do not tip your head back, so blood does not run into your throat. Pinch the soft part of your nose and hold for 10 to 15 minutes without letting go, breathing through your mouth. A cold compress on the bridge of the nose can help. For the next few hours, do not blow your nose, bend over or lift heavy things. To prevent nosebleeds: use a humidifier, a saline spray or gel if your team agrees, and do not pick your nose. Bleeding for more than 20 minutes, very heavy bleeding, dizziness or a lot of blood in the throat need emergency care and your team.

02Simple explanation

Lean forward.

Pinch for 10–15 min.

Head back: no.

Over 20 min: emergency.

03Scientific explanation

NHS and MedlinePlus: for a nosebleed, lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 to 15 minutes; long or heavy bleeding needs urgent care.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Little's area

A network of vessels at the front of the nose, where most bleeds start.

Dry air

Can crack the lining of the nose.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Little's areaA network of vessels at the front of the nose, where most bleeds start.
Dry airCan crack the lining of the nose.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Epistaxis
A nosebleed.
Humidifier
A device that adds moisture to the air.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Lean.
  • Pinch.
  • Wait.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I put cotton in my nose?

Only if your team says so; pressure is more reliable.

My nose bleeds often.

Tell your team; your platelets may need checking.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I put cotton in my nose?

  2. My nose bleeds often.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NHS. Nosebleed
  2. MedlinePlus. Nosebleed
  3. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  6. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  7. Cancer and Careers. Resources for working people with cancer
  8. Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population (Azerbaijan). Disability assessment: general information (in Azerbaijani)
  9. JAMA, 2009. Cancer survivors and unemployment: a meta-analysis and meta-regression
  10. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2018. The financial burden and distress of patients with cancer: Understanding and stepping-up action on the financial toxicity of cancer treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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