Symptom guide
Frequent nosebleeds: causes, red flags and when to get it checked
Most nosebleeds come from fragile blood vessels at the front of the nasal septum and are not serious. Repeated bleeds are usually due to dryness, picking, allergy or blood-thinning medicines. Heavy bleeds, bleeding from both sides, or easy bruising elsewhere should be checked.
Last checked: 2026-10-03
Key facts
At a glance.
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Usual source
Most nosebleeds come from the front of the nasal septum, where several small vessels meet (Little area).
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First aid
Sit up, lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing to check.
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Common triggers
Dry air, nose picking, colds, allergy, nasal sprays and blood-thinning drugs.
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Seek care
A bleed lasting more than 20 to 30 minutes, heavy blood loss or bleeding after an injury needs A&E.
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Who to see
GP; ENT for recurrent bleeds that need cautery or if one-sided.
What this symptom usually means
The lining at the front of the nose has a rich blood supply close to the surface, so it bleeds easily when dried, scratched or inflamed. A single nosebleed is common. Repeated ones raise the question of a local cause, a medicine effect, high blood pressure or a bleeding tendency.
Possible causes, from most to least common
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Dry nasal lining from heating, air travel or dry weather, and nose picking or vigorous nose blowing.
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Colds, hay fever and sinus infections, with repeated blowing and sneezing.
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Nasal steroid or antihistamine sprays used regularly, particularly if aimed at the septum.
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Blood-thinning or antiplatelet medicines (warfarin, DOACs, aspirin, clopidogrel) and NSAIDs.
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High blood pressure, which can make a bleed heavier or harder to stop, although it rarely causes bleeds by itself.
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Alcohol use, liver disease and low platelets or clotting disorders such as von Willebrand disease.
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Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: recurrent spontaneous nosebleeds with small red spots on lips or fingers and a family history.
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Nasal tumours or a deviated septum, usually with one-sided blockage or bleeding.
Features that point to something more serious
Bleeds from only one side that keep recurring, bleeds with a blocked nostril or facial pain, heavy bleeding needing repeated attempts, easy bruising, heavy periods or gum bleeding, or a family history of bleeding disorders warrant further investigation.
Red flags: when to seek help
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Call 999 or go to A&E: bleeding that does not stop after 20 to 30 minutes of pressure, heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting, or after a head injury.
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Same-day GP or NHS 111: a nosebleed while taking blood thinners that is not controlled, or with severe headache and very high blood pressure.
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GP within days to weeks: repeated bleeds, easy bruising or bleeding from elsewhere.
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Routine: occasional bleeds linked to a cold or dry air.
What a doctor will ask and examine
The doctor will ask which side bleeds, how often and how long, triggers, picking, medicines including over-the-counter aspirin, alcohol, easy bruising, heavy periods and family history. They will measure blood pressure, look in the nose with a speculum or endoscope and check for telangiectasia and bruising.
Tests that are commonly used and why
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Blood pressure measurement.
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Full blood count and clotting screen: for platelets and clotting problems if bleeding is recurrent, heavy or unusual.
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Liver function tests: if alcohol or liver disease is suspected.
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Nasal endoscopy: to find a bleeding vessel or exclude a mass.
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Imaging: for one-sided persistent bleeding or suspected tumour.
Self-care and the usual route
During a bleed: sit upright, lean forward, pinch below the bony bridge for 10 to 15 minutes and breathe through the mouth. Afterwards avoid hot drinks, nose blowing and heavy lifting for 24 hours. To prevent: petroleum jelly or a saline gel inside the nostril, humidify the room, keep nails short and avoid picking. Do not stop prescribed blood thinners yourself.
The NHS route is a GP, then ENT for cautery of a visible vessel if bleeds keep recurring. Private ENT clinics offer cautery and endoscopy directly.
Frequently asked
Questions people ask.
Quick, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most.
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How long should I pinch my nose?
Pinch the soft part of the nose continuously for 10 to 15 minutes, leaning forward. Do not keep checking, and repeat once if it restarts.
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Should I lean my head back?
No. Lean forward so blood does not run down the throat, which can cause vomiting or inhalation.
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Can high blood pressure cause nosebleeds?
It does not usually cause them, but it can make bleeds heavier and harder to stop. A blood pressure check is a sensible step.
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Are nosebleeds a sign of leukaemia?
Very rarely. Concern arises with other signs such as easy bruising, fatigue, infections and bleeding gums, when a blood count is arranged.
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Do blood thinners cause nosebleeds?
They can increase frequency and duration. Do not stop them without medical advice; your doctor can review the dose or alternatives.
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What is cautery?
A procedure to seal a bleeding vessel in the nose, using silver nitrate or heat after local anaesthetic.
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Why do I get nosebleeds at night?
Dry air, mouth-breathing and a congested nose can dry the lining, and bleeds are noticed on waking.
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Do children get them too?
Yes, commonly from picking or dryness, but recurrent or heavy nosebleeds in children should still be reviewed by a GP.
Where this comes from
Sources and checking.
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP or consultant knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or come with red-flag features, seek urgent medical care. Figures and availability change, so treat them as a guide and confirm with the provider.
Published 2026-10-03, next review 2027-10-03.
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NHS: Nosebleed (nhs.uk/conditions/nosebleed/)
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NICE CKS: Epistaxis (cks.nice.org.uk, topic page)
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NHS: High blood pressure (hypertension) (nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/)