Nose bleeds are a fairly common occurrence and are typically nothing to worry about. Usually it is fairly simple to stop with first aid for nose bleeding. The body forms a clot and heals naturally with a little bit of aid. However, in certain cases, if the bleeding does not end, you should refer to a doctor immediately.

First aid for nose bleeding can be administered by following these steps:

Stay calm. Getting worked up at the sight of blood will not help the cause.

Cold compress

Sit up straight and lean forward so that you do not swallow the blood that might irritate the stomach and cause vomiting later on.

Pinch your nostrils together with your thumb and index finger. Stay like this for at least ten minutes. Breathe through your mouth. This will help in stopping the flow of the blood by increasing pressure inside the nose and causing the blood vessels to constrict. Spit out any blood from your mouth as swallowing it might aggravate the stomach.

Apply ice or a cold compress to the nose. This provides relief; however, do not attempt to pack the nose with gauze. This may be dangerous and is best to refer to a doctor.

Once the bleeding has stopped, sit still for a while keeping your head above your heart. This will eliminate any chances of bleeding to recur. Try not to pick your nose or blow it for at least a day.

If the bleeding does not stop after fifteen minutes, call the doctor who may recommend a decongestant nasal spray, cauterizing the bleeding blood vessel or nasal packing, depending on the situation.

Drying of the nasal membrane can also cause dried blood in nose that is difficult to remove and painful as well. This is a usual occurrence during dry climates or in winters when is exposed to heaters and other appliances that suck moisture from the air. Colds and allergies can also cause this. It is nothing to worry about if it is in small amounts. Using a nasal wash may help to clean the nose and aid in recovery. However, if the condition persists or if the bleeding is in large amounts, then it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Nose bleeding symptoms are easy to spot. It is usually bleeding from one nostril. If the bleeding is heavy, it can overflow on in to the second nostril and may also drip back into the throat or stomach. This is a rare occurrence though. Symptoms that indicate a serious condition and need to be reported immediately are nose bleeds after a head injury or injury to the nose, bleeding that does not stop after ten to fifteen minutes, and coughing up of blood.