What should I do if my nosebleed won’t stop?

Nosebleeds (epistaxis) are relatively common in daily life. When they occur, people often feel anxious and uncertain about the cause. So, under what circumstances do nosebleeds happen?

When Do Nosebleeds Occur?

There are many causes of nosebleeds, including rhinitis, “excess internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept), and capillary rupture. Rhinitis can easily lead to epistaxis. Similarly, “excess internal heat” is another frequent cause—primarily resulting from dryness and heat in the lungs and nasal cavity, leading to “blood heat.” Capillary rupture due to insufficient vascular elasticity may also cause bleeding. In such cases, it is advisable to consume more fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, which may exacerbate internal heat. Additionally, certain hematologic disorders can predispose individuals to recurrent nosebleeds.

If a nosebleed occurs, it is recommended to sit upright and lean slightly forward—not tilt the head backward—to prevent blood from flowing down the throat. Apply firm pressure with your fingers to the soft part of the nostrils (the nasal wings) for 10–15 minutes; this is highly effective for controlling anterior nasal bleeding. Promptly visit an otolaryngology (ENT) clinic. After evaluation, routine blood tests—including a complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation function tests—may be performed to rule out underlying hematologic disorders. If a blood disorder is identified, targeted treatment is required. Nasal endoscopy is also commonly performed to precisely locate the bleeding site within the nasal cavity. In rare cases involving severe or persistent hemorrhage, endoscopic electrocautery may be necessary.

If nosebleeds are frequent, prolonged, or particularly heavy, medical evaluation at a hospital is strongly advised. We hope this information is helpful to you.