Nosebleeds can be a minor nuisance that stop with basic remedies. Sometimes, however, a bloody nose can be more problematic and require medical attention. How do you tell the difference?

Getwell Urgent Care in Southaven, Mississippi, provides care for serious nosebleeds. Below, we walk you through when it’s time to visit us for a nosebleed that won’t stop. With shorter wait times and walk-in visits, we’ll ensure you receive the care you need promptly.

What Is a Nosebleed?

A nosebleed (epistaxis) happens when the small blood vessels inside your nasal passages rupture and bleed. They most commonly affect children and older adults.

Nosebleed Symptoms

Bleeding from your nose is typically the only symptom of a nosebleed. You may experience the sensation of blood draining down your throat. Many involve just one nostril, though it’s possible to experience bleeding from both. If other symptoms accompany your nosebleed, it likely indicates a more significant medical problem.

Causes of a Nosebleed

Nosebleeds can have many causes. Some of the most common include:

Exposure to dry air, resulting in susceptibility to irritation and bleeding.
Nose picking.

Other causes include:

Allergies.
Forceful nose blowing.
A blow to the nose.
Sinusitis (a sinus infection).
Taking aspirin, NSAIDs, or blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) like warfarin (Coumadin).
Blood clotting disorders.
A foreign object in the nose.
Decongestant or antihistamine nasal sprays (especially when used often).
The common cold.
High blood pressure.
Nasal polyps.
Alcohol use.

Nosebleed Treatment

If you experience a bloody nose, pinch your nose together, sit up, and lean forward to prevent blood from draining into your stomach, which can cause stomach irritation. Pinching your nose for 10 to 15 minutes may stop the bleeding altogether. If bleeding continues, repeat these steps.

Holding an ice pack or cold compress to your nose may help to constrict the blood vessels and stop bleeding.

When to Go to Urgent Care for Nosebleed Treatment

If your nosebleed doesn’t stop easily or after holding pressure for a long time (approximately 20 minutes), you should seek help in urgent care.

You should also seek treatment in urgent care if you’re experiencing frequent nosebleeds, you take a blood-thinning medication, or it was preceded by a fall or a blow.

How Can Urgent Care Help With a Bloody Nose?

At urgent care, a provider will discuss your symptoms and medical history and perform an exam. You can expect questions like:

How often do you have nosebleeds?
About how much blood have you lost?
What brought on this situation?
What did you try to stop it?

You’ll likely discuss medications you take, including any blood-thinning medications or allergy medicine, including nasal sprays.

To control bleeding, your provider may apply nasal packing (such as gauze) or an inflatable device designed to apply pressure inside your nostril to stop the bleeding. You may require cauterization of the bleeding vessel.

When you or your child need help for a concerning nosebleed, visit us at Getwell Urgent Care. Our caring, experienced clinicians can diagnose your condition and provide the high-quality medical treatment you need.