Can you tilt your head back when having a nosebleed?

Oct 21, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
You should generally not tilt your head backward when experiencing a nosebleed. Tilting the head back causes blood to flow backward into the throat, and may even enter the esophagus and stomach. This not only fails to stop the bleeding but can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and increase the risk of swallowing blood. If the bleeding is heavy, tilting the head back could lead to blood being accidentally inhaled into the trachea and lungs, potentially causing suffocation, which is extremely dangerous.

Nosebleeds should generally not be treated by tilting the head backward. Tilting the head back does not actually stop the bleeding; it merely prevents the patient from seeing blood flow out of the nostrils, creating a false impression that the bleeding has stopped.

When a nosebleed occurs, tilting the head backward causes blood to flow backward into the throat, and may even enter the esophagus and stomach. This not only fails to stop the bleeding, but can also trigger symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, increase the risk of swallowing blood, and cause unnecessary harm to the body. If the bleeding is heavy, tilting the head back may lead to blood being accidentally inhaled into the trachea and lungs, potentially causing suffocation, which is extremely dangerous.

During a nosebleed, one should sit upright with the upper body slightly leaning forward to allow the blood to drain naturally. At the same time, use the thumb and index finger to pinch both sides of the nasal bridge firmly and continuously, applying pressure to help form a blood clot and stop the bleeding. After the bleeding stops, the nasal cavity can be rinsed with saline solution, and you should check whether bleeding continues. If the bleeding is heavy or cannot be controlled, medical attention should be sought promptly.

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